World Council
of Churches
Minutes of the Fifty-Ninth Meeting
Central Committee
of the World Council of Churches
13-20 February 2011
Geneva, Switzerland
These minutes have no official status until received, amended as necessary and
approved by the central committee at its next meeting. The official proceedings of
the central committee consist of a documented record of decisions taken by the
committee along with the texts of documents acted upon. The introductions to agenda
items and summaries of presentations and discussions are prepared by the minute-
taker for background information only, and should not be cited as part of the official
proceedings of the meeting nor as such attributed to the speakers’ names.
World Council of Churches
150 Route de Ferney
P.O. Box 2100
CH-1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
Minutes of the
Meeting of the Central Committee
of the World Council of Churches
16-22 February 2011
Geneva, Switzerland
Contents
1 MORNING PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY . 5
1 . 1 Interconfessional common prayer . 5
1.2 Bible study . 5
1.3 InMemoriam . 6
2 TEXTILE EXHIBITION.. . 10
3 CONVENTION BETWEEN BOSSEY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA
. 11
4 IRAQI DELEGATION . 11
5 OPENING ACTIONS . 1 1
5.1 Call to order . 11
5.2 Roll call and seating of substitutes . 12
5 . 3 Adoption of agenda . 12
5 .4 Minutes of the previous meeting . 12
5.5 Consensus overview . .....12
5 . 6 Membership of committees . 12
5.7 Appointment of decision recorders . 12
6 MODERATOR’S ADDRESS . 12
6.1 Moderator’s address . 12
6.2 Discussion of the moderator’s address . 1 3
6.3 Action arising from the moderator’s address . 14
7 GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT . 14
7 . 1 General secretary ’ s report . 14
7.2 Discussion of the general secretary’s report . 15
7 . 3 Action aris ing from the general secretary ’ s report . 16
8 THEMATIC PLENARIES . 17
8. 1 Plenary on ecclesial landscape . 17
8.2 Plenary on interreligious relations and cooperation . 1 9
8.3 Plenary on the community of women and men . 20
9 PUBLIC ISSUES . 21
9. 1 Proposals for actions on public issues . 21
9.2 Second presentation of public issues . 21
9.3 Action on public issues . 23
9.3.1 Statement on the Situation in Colombia . 23
9.3.2 Statement on the Right to Water and Sanitation . 25
9. 3. 3 Statement on the Situation of Indigenous Peoples of Australia . 27
9.3.4 Minute on the Presence and Witness of Christians in the Middle East .30
9.3.5 Resolution on the United States of America's Veto against the UN
Security Council Resolution condemning Israeli Settlements in the
Palestinian Territories . 33
9.3.6 Minute on the Rights of Migrants and Migrant Workers . 34
9.3. 7 Minute on Strengthening the Ecumenical Response to HIV/ AIDS . 36
10 FINANCE . 38
10.1 First REPORT ON FINANCE . 38
10.1.1 Introduction . 38
10.1.2 2009 Financial report . 38
10.1.3 Preliminary results 2010 . 39
10.1.4 Budget 201 1 . 40
10.1.5 Framework budgets 2012-2013 . 40
10.1.6 Income trends and challenges . 41
10.1.7 Other matters . 42
10.1.8 Discussion . 42
1 0.2 Finance committee report - narrative . 42
10.2.1 Financial statements 2009 . 42
10.2.2 Financial results 2010 . 42
10.2.3 Cost-share model for related organisations ’ use of office space . 42
10.2.4 Report of the governance review continuation group . 43
10.2.5 Budget 2011 . 43
10.2.6 Framework 2012-2013 . 44
10.2.7 Income development . 44
10.2.8 Capital expenditure and treasury . 45
10.2.9 Investment policy . 45
10.2.10 10th Assembly . 45
10.2.11 Progress report on the conference centre at Bossey . 46
10.2.12 Report on the meeting with representatives of the pension fund board. 46
10.2.13 Issues raised in prior meetings . 46
10.2.14 Appendix - Report of the Fundraising Advisory Group . 46
1 0.3 Finance committee report - action on recommendations . 47
11 GOVERNANCE . 48
11.1 Final report of the governance review continuation group . 48
1 1 .2 Plenary discussions on governance . 49
1 1 .3 Action regarding governance . 50
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 2
11.3.1 Affirmations . 50
11.3.2 Clarifications . 51
11.3.3 Guidance . 53
11.3.4 Further work . 54
12 PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON CONSENSUS AND COLLABORATION 56
13 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS . 56
13.1 Introduction of membership matters . 56
13.2 Action on membership matters . 56
14 NOMINATIONS . 57
14.1 Nominations to governing and consultative bodies . 57
14.2 Action on nominations to governing and consultative bodies . 57
15 PROGRAMME . 59
15.1 Report of the programme committee core group . 59
15.2 Programme committee report - narrative . 60
15.2.1 Role and work of the programme committee . 60
15.2.2 Reporting format . 61
15.2.3 General recommendations . 61
15.2.4 Governance . 62
15.2.5 Working style . 62
15.2.6 Programmatic areas/issues - reports from the sub-groups . 62
15.3 Programme committee report - action on recommendations . 67
1 5.4 Recommendations of the policy reference committee regarding
PROGRAMME . 68
16 ASSEMBLY . 69
1 6. 1 Report of the assembly planning committee . 69
1 6.2 Nominations committee recommendations related to the assembly69
1 6.3 Policy reference committee recommendations related to the
ASSEMBLY . 72
17 STAFFING . 74
1 7. 1 Contract extension . 74
17.2 New programme leadership . 74
1 7.3 Informational update on staffing . 75
18 INTERNATIONAL ECUMENICAL PEACE CONVOCATION . 78
19 COMMUNICATIONS . 79
1 9. 1 Report of the Communications Advisory Group . 79
1 9.2 Action in response to the report of the communications advisory
group . 82
20 CLOSING ACTIONS . 83
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 3
20.1 Evaluation . 83
20.2 Future meetings . 83
20.3 Appreciation . 83
20.4 Closing . 84
21 APPENDIX I - PARTICIPANTS LIST . 85
22 APPENDIX II - COMMITTEES . 93
23 APPENDIX III - FINAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE REVIEW
CONTINUATION GROUP . 97
24 APPENDIX IV - PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON CONSENSUS AND
COLLABORATION . 114
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 4
1 Morning Prayer and Bible study
1.1 Interconfessional common prayer
On Wednesday, 16 February, the central committee’s opening prayer included meditations
on peace from Archbishop Prof. Dr Anastasios of Tirana and Durres and Rev. Dr Ofelia
Ortega.
On Thursday, 17 February, the text from Luke 19:41-42 and the quilt entitled “Stitching
Peace” evoked reflection on the words and silences that make for peace.
On Friday 18 February, the text from Amos 5:11-12, 14 and the quilt from Africa were
used to call members to reflect on ways in which contemporary use of resources serves to
“trample on the poor.”
On Saturday, 19 February, phrases from Psalm 22 were used to evoke the suffering of
women and the solidarity of scripture with those who are scorned, violated and forsaken.
On Sunday, 20 February, central committee members attended worship in the churches of
Geneva and at the Lausanne Cathedral.
On Monday, 21 February, the urgency of Jesus’ ministry in Mark 5 was read to call on
Christians today to respond immediately to the needs of those who suffer, calling “Lord,
make haste to help them.”
On Tuesday, 22 February, the joy of the Lord was proclaimed in singing “freedom is
coming, oh yes I know!” The central committee held in prayer a steward who was taken to
hospital, the situation unfolding in Libya and the earthquake in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Closing prayer was held in the afternoon of Tuesday, 22 February. Participants spoke the
word “peace” in their native languages and reflected on Matthew 5:21-24, asking whether
there had been words spoken or unspoken during the central committee meetings that
might have wounded or offended. The prayer concluded with the passing of the “holy
kiss” as commended by St Paul.
1.2 Bible study
The central committee was led in daily Bible study by Dr Sarojini Nadar, professor in the
School of Religion and Theology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
On Thursday, 17 February, Dr Nadar invited members to explore the creation accounts in
Genesis 1:26-27 and 2:7, 18-23, looking at the implications of the two creation stories for
the just community of women and men.
On Saturday, 19 February, Dr Nadar explored the story of Dinah in Genesis 34: 1-3 1 as an
example of a community built on violation and deceit. She contrasted just communities of
women and men built upon the Trinitarian model of mutual relation, radical equality and
community in diversity.
On Monday, 21 February, Dr Nadar reflected on the stories in Mark 5 about the
hemorrhagic woman and Jairus’ daughter, especially in light of the purification laws in
Leviticus 1 5 and Numbers 1 9, and asked participants in the meeting to consider the
actions of Jesus in reference to what they might consider “defiling” today.
W orld Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 5
On Tuesday, 22 February, Dr Nadar invited discussion on Esther 2 as a story of
institutionalized rape, revealing some of the myths commonly held about rape. She urged
the listeners to consider a “body theology” in the light of the story and in helping
overcome “the naturalization of rape”. Given that the body is not a “necessary evil” but a
gift from God, she asked “how can the physical body of Christ become an instrument of
empowerment for women?”
1.3 In Memoriam
The participants were informed that Ms Bridget Naulapwa, central committee member
from the United Church of Zambia, had passed away since the last meeting of the
committee.
Rev. Coenraad Boerma, a pastor, journalist and broadcaster, died on 16 August 2010 at
Zutphen in the Netherlands. A Reformed pastor, he was the WCC secretary for
development education from 1982 and the director of communication from 1984 to 1988.
He was the author of The Rich , the Poor and the Bible (1979) and The Poor Side of
Europe: the Church and the (New) Poor of Western Europe (1989). From 1994 he chaired
his nation’s Commission on Information and Awareness Building for Development
Cooperation.
Pasteur Robert Jacques Bois, former general secretary of CIMADE, died at the age of
83 on 24 December 2009 in Saussan, France. “Roby” Bois, a pastor in the Reformed
Church of France, lived and worked in Algeria from 1948 until returning to his native
France in 1959. Outreach and service to refugees and immigrants was part of his ministry
and in 1973 he was chosen to lead CIMADE, the French inter-movement committee for
relief and development. He continued in that role until 1984 when he returned to Algeria
as a societal aide and counsellor to the French embassy.
Rev. Dr A. David Bos, minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), died at the age of 75
on 12 February 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. He participated in a number of WCC events
including the Re-Imagining Conference in 1993. He was a pioneer in the field of
ecumenical and interfaith community ministries and was author of the books A Practical
Guide to Community Ministry (1993) and Bound Together: a Theology for Ecumenical
Community Ministry (2010).
Dr Delwin Brown, lay theologian and dean emeritus of the Pacific School of Religion,
died at the age of 73 on 12 September 2009 in San Rafael, California. A former professor
and administrator at Arizona State University and the Iliff School of Theology in Denver,
he specialized in the intersection of religion and culture. He was known for such books as
Boundaries of Our Habitations: Tradition and Theological Construction and What Does a
Progressive Christian Believe? He was an officer of the American Academy of Religion.
Rev. Kyoji Buma, director of interchurch affairs for the former United Presbyterian
Church, died at the age of 85 in July 2010 in the USA. After serving as his church’s
executive secretary for youth ministries in the late 1950s, he became its Asia secretary
based in Tokyo. From 1964 to his retirement in 1989 he worked mostly from New York,
staying in Geneva during the period when the Ecumenical Centre was being completed
and inaugurated. His was a familiar face at ecumenical assemblies and consultations
worldwide.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 6
Archbishop Jabez Leslie Bryce, at his death the longest-serving bishop in the Anglican
Communion, died at the age of 75 on 1 1 February 2010 in Suva, Fiji. Bom in Tonga and
raised in Samoa, he led the diocese of Polynesia for almost 35 years. He served in several
offices of the Pacific Conference of Churches and was the WCC president from the
Pacific region from 1998 to 2006. He was known for his advocacy for ending nuclear
testing in the Pacific and for his support of interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
Rev. Maxwell Craig, first general secretary of Action of Churches Together in Scotland,
died at the age of 77 on 26 September 2009 in Stirling, Scotland. He served as a parish
pastor in the Church of Scotland from 1966 to 1991 when he was called to lead ACTS, the
new ecumenical instrument in Scotland, where he remained until his formal retirement in
1999. From 1986 to his death he held the post of Chaplain to the Queen in Scotland, and
he also provided his pastoral services for a time to the St Andrews Scots Kirk in
Jerusalem.
Mgr Bernard Genoud, Roman Catholic bishop of the diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and
Fribourg, died at the age of 68 on 21 September 2010 in Fribourg, Switzerland. Ordained
a priest in 1968, the bishop publicly demonstrated his commitment to the one ecumenical
movement and maintained close ties with church leaders who found their way to
conferences in Switzerland. Following the death of Lukas Vischer, a former director of
Faith and Order, Mgr Genoud paid a moving tribute to him on regional television.
Prof. Dr Hermann Goltz, a former study secretary for the Conference of European
Churches, died at the age of 64 on 9 December 20 1 0 in Halle, Germany. A committed
ecumenist, he worked especially closely with the Moscow Patriarchate, the Armenian
Apostolic Church and the World Council of Churches. At the time of his death he held the
chair in the theology and culture of the Eastern Orthodox churches at the Martin Luther
University in Halle- Wittenberg.
Fr Dr Anton Houtepen, a long-time participant in the work of Faith and Order, died at
the age of 70 on 1 1 December 2010 in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Director of the Inter¬
university Institute of Missiology and Ecumenics, he was active in the process leading to
Baptism , Eucharist and Ministry , and gathered responses to that document from churches
and theologians. In a tribute following his death, the WCC general secretary wrote: “He is
remembered as one of the most active Roman Catholic participants in the work of Faith
and Order through those many years.”
Ms Margaret Flory, a lay educator and ecumenical mission worker, died at the age of 95
on 1 October 2009 in Asheville, North Carolina. During 36 years on the staff of the
United Presbyterian Church, she created or co-created such programmes as Junior Year
Abroad, Frontier Interns, Frontiers in Mission, Overseas Scholarships to bring teachers
and students to study in the USA and Bi-National Servants. She was active in many
ecumenical bodies, including the Student Volunteer Movement, the World Alliance of
Reformed Churches, her country’s national council of churches and the WCC. In 1993 the
John Knox International Reformed Centre in Geneva dedicated its main conference hall in
honour of Margaret Flory; a plaque on the building reads: “Ecumenism was her passion,
the young her calling, her journeys were her home, and the world her mission field.”
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 7
Rev. Fred Kaan, author and translator of hymn texts, died at the age of 80 on 4 October
2009 in Cumbria, England. Bom in the Netherlands, he moved to Britain after World War
II and was ordained to the Congregational ministry. He worked in Geneva from 1968 to
1978, first for the International Congregational Council which then united with the World
Alliance of Reformed Churches. For the remainder of his career, he was a parish pastor
and synod moderator in the United Reformed Church. While in Geneva he wrote a
number of hymns in partnership with composer Doreen Potter. Among his best-known
texts are “Help Us Accept Each Other”, “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ” and “For
the Healing of the Nations”.
Rev. Wesley Kenworthy, a retired Methodist pastor, died at the age of 85 on 1 September
2009 in Folkestone, England. Prior to studying for ordination to the ministry, he served
the WCC as assistant general secretary for finance and administration. He exhibited a life¬
long commitment to, and enthusiasm for, the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey.
Rev. Dr Fitzroy Allan Kirton, former general secretary of the Caribbean Conference of
Churches, died at the age of 69 on 30 January 2010 in Brooklyn, New York. He was
ordained in the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and Americas, and at one time he
served as superintendant of the Haiti District. He preached and lectured widely, sharing
the gospel on many continents and islands. He served as a member of the WCC central
committee, and at the time of his death he was pastor of St Mark’s United Methodist
Church in Brooklyn.
Rev. Dr Paul Loffler, missiologist and ecumenical pioneer, died at the age of 79 on 26
September 2010 in Lauenburg, Germany. He was executive secretary for research in the
International Missionary Council at the time of that body’s merger with the World
Council of Churches at the New Delhi assembly in 1968, and he participated in the
WCC’s work on the mission of the laity and secularization as well as urban and industrial
mission. Dr Loffler also served on the faculties of the University of Hamburg and the
Near East School of Theology.
Pasteur Yo (Joachim) Ludwig, former general secretary of the Ecumenical Youth
Council in Europe, died at the age of 70 on 28 March 2010 in Grenoble, France. Bom into
a French-German family, he became a pastor of the Reformed Church of France and was a
widely recognized church diplomat who encouraged reconciliation among the peoples and
nations of Europe. As international affairs officer of his church, he showed enthusiastic
support for such agencies as CIMADE and Oikocredit.
Rev. Steven Mackie, an early exponent of liberation theology and professor of practical
theology at St Andrews University, died at the age of 82 on 14 October 2010 in Scotland.
Son of Robert Mackie, a leader of the World Student Christian Federation and an
influential figure in the founding of the World Council of Churches, Steven Mackie was a
strong supporter of the ecumenical movement throughout his life. After serving as a
college chaplain in India and study secretary of the British Student Christian Movement,
he joined the staff of the WCC from 1964 to 1974 when he was called to the theological
faculty at St Andrews. He was deeply involved in the development and life of SODEPAX
and dedicated himself to peace through dialogue between Catholics and Protestants in
Northern Ireland.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 8
Fr Edward Malone, MM, long-time assistant secretary general of the Federation of
Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), died at the age of 83 on 4 November 2009 in
Maryknoll, New York. He served on the American Catholic Bishops’ Commission for
Dialogue with the Orthodox Church, participated in WCC consultations on theological
education, as well as becoming the first Roman Catholic on the board of the American
Association of Theological Schools. After teaching theology in Hong Kong for several
years, he was elected to his office in the FABC in 1971 and continued there until his
retirement in 2004.
Rev. Dr Lewis S. Mudge, ethicist and dean of theological studies in US graduate schools,
died at the age of 79 on 1 1 September 2009 in Berkeley, California. As a young man he
served as theology secretary for the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and later
taught on faculties including McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, San
Francisco Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. He
served on a variety of ecumenical commissions and task forces on behalf of the
Presbyterian Church (USA). His many books included One Church: Catholic and
Reformed (1963), The Church as Moral Community (1998) and The Gift of Responsibility
(2008).
Rev. Dr Zdzislaw Pawlik, secretary of the Polish Ecumenical Council, died at the age of
81 on 12 November 2010 in Poland. A minister of the Baptist communion, he served as an
interpreter for the Rev. Dr Billy Graham during the US evangelist’s ground-breaking tour
of Poland in the pivotal year of 1978. He was a bridge-builder between “ecumenical” and
“evangelical” groups as well as between East and West.
Fr Prof. Dumitru Popescu, a former study secretary for the Conference of European
Churches, died at the age of 80 on 10 March 2010 in Bucharest, Romania. He served on
the faculties of theological institutes in Bucharest and Bari, Italy, and specialized
academically in the ecumenical dynamics and consequences of the Second Vatican
Council. He published eleven books and more than 120 articles in the fields of doctrinal
theology and ecumenics.
Prof. Constantine Scouteris, professor of dogmatic theology at Athens University, died
at the age of 70 on 2 November 2009 in Athens. A member of the Special Commission on
Orthodox Participation in the World Council of Churches, Dr Scouteris was dedicated to
the principle of communion as the pattern for world unity. He was instrumental in the
development of the curriculum of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, served on the
faculty of the Orthodox Institute at Chambesy and taught on the theological faculty of the
University of Balamand at Tripoli, Lebanon. He was an active participant in bilateral
dialogue, particularly between the Orthodox and Anglicans, and worked to improve
relations between East and West both through the WCC and the Conference of European
Churches.
Ms Frances Smith, religious journalist and editor, died at the age of 87 on 30 December
2009 in Claremont, California. After apprenticeship as a reporter for a St Louis daily
newspaper, she became assistant editor of Justice , the newspaper of the International
Garment Workers Union based in New York City. She then worked with editors Reinhold
Niebuhr and John Bennett on their journal Christianity and Crisis. After staffing the
denominational magazines of the United Presbyterian Church and the United Church of
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 9
Christ, she became editor of the WCC Ecumenical Press Service in Geneva from 1966 to
1976. She completed her career as a reporter for the United Methodist News Service and
in 2008 was inducted into that church’s Communicators Hall of Fame.
Rev. Nico Smith, a white pastor who left the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa
because of its refusal to oppose apartheid, died at the age of 81 on 19 June 2010 in
Pretoria. A one-time missionary to the far north of the country and a professor on the
theological faculty at the University of Stellenbosch, he and his wife moved into the black
township of Mamelodi in the 1980s. They helped to organize a “trading places”
experiment in which 170 whites lived in the township for four days “sharing commeal
dinners, outside toilets and middle-of-the-night visits from the police.”
Dr David Stevens, leader of the Corrymeela Community and former general secretary of
the Irish Council of Churches, died at the age of 62 on 1 7 October 20 1 0 in Edinburgh,
Scotland. A Presbyterian elder, his university degree was in the sciences, but he worked as
a volunteer at Corrymeela from his student days. Deeply committed to reconciliation in
Northern Ireland, he served on the Standing Advisory Committee on Human Rights in
1988-1992 and on the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council in 1990-1996 and
2002-2008. He led the ICC from 1992 to 2003 when he devoted himself fully to the
Corrymeela Community.
Rev. David W.A. Taylor, a former general secretary of the Consultation on Church
Union (COCU) in the USA, died at the age 83 on 23 May 2010 in Cary, North Carolina.
Ordained a minister in the former Presbyterian Church in the US (now PCUSA), he
served that church as a pastor, mission executive and from 1973 to 1982 as director of
ecumenical coordination. He went from that office to leadership positions in COCU.
Rev. Dr Edwin Tulier, former general secretary of the American Baptist Churches in the
USA, died at the age of 96 on 25 August 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served as
the ABC’s head of communion from 1959 to 1970, following service as executive
secretary of the Connecticut Council of Churches. He is remembered for his strong
support of the US civil rights movement and the Rev. Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
According to a current leader of the ABC, “Dr Tulier was pastoral in his approach to those
American Baptists who questioned such an active stance in ‘politics’, patiently answering
their concerns and helping them embrace the struggle for equality as a biblical response to
injustice.” Prior to his retirement from the ministry, he served as pastor of the American
Church in Paris, France.
2 Textile exhibition
The central committee participated in the opening of an exhibition of textile art related to
the themes of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation. Roberta Bacic is the
curator of the exhibition which is called “Stitching Peace”. Artwork was drawn from Latin
America, Africa and Europe, and included a unique collection of arpilleras, three-
dimensional appliqued textiles of Latin America, originating as a Chilean folk craft. The
centrepiece of the exhibition was a quilt by Deborah Stockdale, specially commissioned
for permanent display in the Ecumenical Centre. The exhibition was on display in the
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 10
Chapel through March 2011 and then travelled to Jamaica for the International
Ecumenical Peace Convocation.
3 Convention between Bossey and the University of Geneva
On Wednesday 16 February, Rev. Dr Walter Altmann welcomed representatives from the
University of Geneva and the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey for a formal signing of a
new convention between those two institutions. Fr loan Sauca, Director of the Ecumenical
Institute, spoke of their long and fruitful collaboration in academic theological study, and
offered appreciation for the commitment of the colleagues at the Autonomous Faculty of
Protestant Theology. The general secretary welcomed the new convention as a step
forward in strong partnership.
Professor Jean-Dominique Vassalli, Rector of the University of Geneva and Professor
Andreas Dettwiler, Dean of the Autonomous Faculty of Protestant Theology shared
reflections on the importance of the cooperation between Bossey and the University of
Geneva, after which the new convention was duly signed by the officials present.
Of particular note in this new convention is the creation of two new University of Geneva
certificates to be granted to Bossey students whose previous educational experience does
not qualify them for enrolment in a degree-granting programme. This comes as a solution
to a long-standing request from the Bossey board and the central committee that all
students who satisfactorily complete studies at Bossey receive recognition from the
University of Geneva.
4 Iraqi delegation
The central committee was pleased to receive the delegation of Iraqi church leaders that
had been meeting directly before the central committee to discuss ecumenical solidarity in
advocacy and accompaniment with the Christians of Iraq. The delegation included:
Patriarch Mar Addai II, Catholicos of the Ancient Church of the East (Baghdad);
Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Iraq Diocese of the Armenian Orthodox
Church and general secretary of the Council of Christian Church Leaders in Iraq;
Archbishop Mar Georgis Sliwa, Metropolitan of the Iraq Diocese of the Holy Apostolic
Catholic Assyrian Church of the East; Archbishop Mar Severius Hawa, Metropolitan of
the Baghdad Diocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church; Rev. Fr Nadheer Dako of the
Chaldean Church; Rev. Elder Yousif Jamil Al-Saka, of the Presbyterian Church of
Baghdad; and H.E. Archbishop Jean Sleiman, the Latin Archbishop of Baghdad.
5 Opening actions
5.1 Call to order
The central committee met in decision session. Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, moderator of the
central committee of the World Council of Churches, called the meeting to order at 09:38
on 1 6 February 2011.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 11
5.2 Roll call and seating of substitutes
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, welcomed
the committee and called the roll of members present and those sending apologies (see
Appendix I). He welcomed the advisors, observers and guests present.
The central committee received a video greeting from His Holiness Abune Paulos,
Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the World Council of
Churches presidents, who was not able to be present.
The central committee approved by consensus to seat the substitutes as listed.
The moderator declared the meeting to be properly seated with a quorum in attendance.
5.3 Adoption of agenda
The agenda was presented by the general secretary and was adopted by consensus.
5.4 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the 26 August-2 September 2009 meeting of the central committee were
presented by the moderator and approved by consensus.
5.5 Consensus overview
Dr Jill Tabart, consensus advisor, presented an overview of the consensus decision¬
making procedures to refresh the minds of the members.
5.6 Membership of committees
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann reviewed the membership of the committees (see Appendix II)
which was confirmed by the central committee.
5.7 Appointment of decision recorders
The following central committee members were appointed to serve as decision recorders
during the decision sessions: Rev. Dr Judy Angleberger, Rev. Gregor Henderson, Rev. Dr
Sarah Rogers, Rev. Frank Schurer-Behrmann, Ms Outi Vasko and Rev. William Ingram.
6 Moderator’s address
6.1 Moderator’s address
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session and invited
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann to present his address to the central committee. The moderator
began by noting that he had taken into consideration the request of the central committee
that his report be circulated in advance and presented only in summary, in order to allow
substantive discussion in response to his reflections.
In his written address, the moderator reflected on four broad topics. In his first section, on
“the world scene”, he lifted up in particular the human reserve of spiritual resources and
the capacity to mobilize in order to challenge the powerful that was being demonstrated in
civil movements in the Middle East during these days; the intense concern for peace with
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 12
justice in the Middle East; and the urgency and achievability of eradicating poverty in the
world.
In his second section, the moderator shared some exegetical reflections on the two
assembly themes being presented for the central committee’s consideration at this
meeting, urging the committee not to see these as alternatives but as variations of a
common call.
In his third section, the moderator commented on the recommendations of the governance
group and the importance of the central committee’s engagement with this process in
preparation for major decisions to be taken at the assembly. He placed the governance
recommendations in the context of the WCC common understanding and vision.
In his final section, the moderator raised the immense challenges currently facing the
churches, that is, unity and fragmentation in the one global ecumenical movement. As
churches seek both breadth and depth, he urged the participants to hold these two in
creative and complementary tension rather than seeing them as in competition with each
other. He lifted up significant moments since the last central committee in which the
ecumenical movement had indeed been both broadened and deepened.
The moderator concluded his address with a word of gratitude to the members of the
central committee for their spirit of prayer during the last few years and their continuing
commitment to be instruments of God now and in the future.
6.2 Discussion of the moderator’s address
In response to the reflections presented by the moderator, members of the central
committee expressed profound appreciation for the report, and shared comments
including:
• a call to focus even more deeply on poverty as a root cause of all the world’s
problems, including a new sense of despair among the so-called middle classes;
• a desire to reflect together on the outcome of the referendum in Sudan and the
continuing commitment of the World Council of Churches to accompany the
people of Sudan in their path toward a lasting peace;
• the need to reflect on the role of youth in political and ecclesial processes;
• a hope that the assembly theme would reflect a comprehensive vision of the
ecumenical movement;
• a call to continue to accompany the people and churches of Africa; and
• a call to integrate environmental justice more deeply in the ecumenical vocation.
In response to the comments from the floor, the moderator expressed his appreciation for
the engagement of the committee and regretted that his report could not take account of all
important issues and themes. He hoped that the reflections would continue to develop and
deepen over the coming days.
The central committee received the address of the moderator and referred it to the policy
reference committee for further consideration.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 13
6.3 Action arising from the moderator’s address
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session and invited the policy reference
committee to present its recommendations in response to the moderator’s address.
Rev. Heike Bosien presented the committee’s narrative report, as follows:
The policy reference committee appreciates the moderator’s address, which leads us
into the substantive issues for this central committee and also frames the meeting in
the context of changing political, economic and ecclesial landscape, including the
wave of civil protests in Arab countries, the impact of global financial instability and
the lack of global agreement on environmental issues.
Discussion on the moderator’s report led the committee to request more information
on the experience of Christians living in Egypt during these times of great transition.
The moderator’s encouragement to both broaden and deepen ecumenical relations is
timely, given the “new doors that are opening” including invitations to the general
secretary to address the 22nd World Pentecostal Conference in Stockholm and the
Third Lausanne Conference in Cape Town.
Questions were raised by the committee about the moderator’s reference to the
“effective participation by ACT Alliance”, including whether a seat on the WCC
executive committee represents effective participation.
The committee members would also have welcomed a more substantive report on
both Edinburgh 2010 and progress in discussions on “Called to be the one Church”
during this central committee.
The committee also received input from the nominations committee on the
moderator’s address suggesting that the nature of the report needs defining, including
reflection on the work of the executive committee; and requesting coordination of the
report of the general secretary and the moderator’s address, with both reports being
made available one week before the central committee.
Upon recommendation of the policy reference committee, the central committee approved
by consensus:
• to receive the address of the moderator with appreciation, especially the guidance
to consider the two proposed themes for the 10th Assembly together rather than
as competing alternatives - “we should not separate what belongs together”.
7 General secretary’s report
7.1 General secretary’s report
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a hearing session and invited Rev.
Dr Olav Fykse Tveit to make his first full report to the central committee. He drew
attention to the appendices to the report - a list of his travel, events and visits during the
period January 2010 through February 2011, and a book entitled That They All May Be
One: selected sermons, speeches and articles, September 2009 to January 2011.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 14
The general secretary began by recalling that the theme of his remarks to the central
committee upon his election was “that they all may be one” (John 17) as woven into the
tapestry in the plenary hall. He therefore now asked “how do we respond to this call to be
one in everything we do as a World Council of Churches?”
One answer to this question was the commitment of the churches to a process of
consensus, a commitment to work hard to clarity further how consensus is built in the
midst of our diversity, knowing that agreement would not come on everything, and
therefore this does not need to be the aim either. The general secretary spoke of a
“differentiated” or “strategic” consensus which becomes a gift to the ecumenical
movement and to the churches - one way of being one in this time. “We can help one
another to focus adequately on where the churches and the world particularly need for us
to provide a joint prophetic witness now.”
The general secretary remarked that he continually asks his colleagues to reflect on the
questions “What is the unique added value of the World Council of Churches? What does
it mean to be a ‘privileged instrument?’ In what way does the council give strategic
leadership to the ecumenical movement?” These questions had provided very useful focus
for reflection and discussion.
The general secretary commented on aspects of the financial, programmatic and
institutional life of the council. He then spoke of a few of the focal points of the
ecumenical quest for unity at this time, including:
• To be one in the quest for peace - IEPC
• To be one as a community of women and men
• Jerusalem - the source and paradigm for our call to be one
• To be one in changing tides or changing ecumenical landscape
• To be one in our actions and advocacy of churches together - WCC and ACT
Alliance
• Need for new theological initiatives in our quest to be one
• To be one in our joint Christian response in a world of interfaith relations - and
some growing tensions.
Dr Tveit then concluded with appreciation for the overwhelming support he had received
in his first year of service, and in particular for the inspiration he found in working with
youth.
7.2 Discussion of the general secretary’s report
The central committee deeply appreciated the report of the general secretary and offered
comments and reflections including:
• dismay at the perceived lack of public profile and effective communication of the
work of the council;
• a call to use the occasion of the IEPC to take bold and specific action on such
steps as the banning of small arms;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 15
• disappointment that the churches were not making more progress toward
Eucharistic fellowship;
• the encouragement to use the voice of the World Council of Churches to
advocate for freedom of religion and association;
• a deep desire not to lose any of the gains made in broadening the participation of
women, youth, people with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples, and to
continually recall the council’s prophetic leadership to the churches in this area;
and
• an expectation that when coming together, churches are able to learn from each
other’s experience, tradition and context and to be enriched by each other’s
witness.
The central committee received the report of the general secretary and referred it to the
policy reference committee for further consideration.
7.3 Action arising from the general secretary’s report
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session and invited the policy reference
committee to present its recommendations in response to the general secretary’s report.
Rev. Motoe Yamada presented the committee’s narrative report, as follows:
The policy reference committee warmly welcomes the first report of the general
secretary, including the Christ-centred vision and the emphasis on a common call to
unity in Christ so that the world may believe.
The committee appreciates the vision of the general secretary for peace and justice in
the world, among peoples, with the earth and in Jerusalem, and emphasizes that
people in the Holy Land should have both free and safe access to their holy sites in
Jerusalem as well as the protection of these holy sites.
The committee noted the importance of the WCC fellowship of member churches as a
“safe space” rooted in consensus. Growing together with the experience of consensus
is important and more reflection on “differentiated consensus”, “strategic consensus”
and “a consensus of mutual accountability” would be helpful.
The report of the general secretary highlighted the increasingly important role of the
WCC in offering strategic leadership in the ecumenical movement - as a fellowship
of member churches, with other churches and with ecumenical partners. The
committee noted that the WCC 10th Assembly provided a unique opportunity for
modelling this strategic role of leadership in partnership.
The committee noted with great interest the many “new invitations” helping to
reshape the ecumenical landscape, particularly the new quality of relationship that is
emerging between the WCC and evangelicals and between the WCC and the
Pentecostal movement. The committee also expressed gratitude for the strong
relationship with the Roman Catholic Church mentioned in the report. As the general
secretary noted, these are “open doors” offering the WCC fellowship of member
churches the opportunity “to fulfil its calling to promote unity in a wider sense”.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 16
The committee also encourages the general secretary to prioritise visits to member
churches in the year ahead, with an emphasis on listening to the ecumenical
perspectives of these member churches and to ensuring regional balance in the visits
scheduled.
The committee would have appreciated a reference to the historic referendum in
Sudan, and recognizes the significant role that the World Council of Churches and the
All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) have played in reconciliation for love,
peace and justice in Sudan.
The committee appreciated the general secretary’s closing affirmation that “we are
called to follow Christ in new relationships,” noting the importance of relationships
between churches and among people in making unity visible and justice for all a
reality. In the future, the general secretary could consider formulating these closing
remarks in a way that could be easily circulated to grassroots church members.
The committee would welcome the inclusion of recommendations from the general
secretary on priorities for reflection and action by the central committee.
The committee warmly endorses the general secretary’s thanks to the hardworking
and loyal staff of the WCC and expresses its appreciation for the significant role that
the staff plays in enabling the ecumenical movement to journey together.
The committee also received input from the nominations committee on the report of
the general secretary suggesting that such reports provide a review of the work and
that the presentation offer vision and challenges for the WCC and the ecumenical
movement; and that the report be made available at least one week before the central
committee.
Upon recommendation of the policy reference committee, the central committee approved
by consensus:
• to receive with appreciation the general secretary’s report, recognizing his
tremendous work in the first year of his appointment;
• to encourage the general secretary to now make it a priority to visit member
churches in all regions, listening carefully to their concerns and witness to Christ;
and
• to ask the general secretary to consider offering recommendations to the central
committee in subsequent reports.
8 Thematic plenaries
8.1 Plenary on ecclesial landscape
Dame Mary Tanner and Ms Omowunmi Iyabode Oyekola co -moderated a hearing session
on the changing ecclesial landscape, with the purpose of exploring how those changes are
experienced by churches in different regions and how they impact on the ecumenical
vision and commitments. After an opening prayer, three panellists shared from their
contexts.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 1 7
Rev. Jennifer Leath, African Methodist Episcopal Church (USA), co-moderator of the
Joint Consultative Group between Pentecostals and the WCC and member of the Echos
commission, spoke about the structural, socio-economic, political and ecclesial injustices
inherent within both global Pentecostalism and global ecumenism. She challenged the
council to “acknowledge that the precious relationship between the WCC and Pentecostals
is but a litmus test for the ways the WCC plans to move forward with respect to others
who are perennially marginalized in the WCC: those of us from the global South and its
diasporas, women and youth.”
Msgr Gosbert Byamungu, Roman Catholic Church, co -secretary of the Joint Working
Group between WCC and RCC, spoke of the need to “assimilate the fruits of the
ecumenical movement” in terms of costly reception and the willingness to “transform
agreements in doctrine into common worship, witness and service.” He regretted that “the
fruits of dialogue have not yet brought about visible unity and fellowship, and in fact the
current ecclesial landscape is one in which the different churches have not yet assimilated
even some of the feasible outcomes of ecumenical pursuit into their existing
ecclesiologies.” Acknowledging recent developments in deepening the link between the
World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church, he concluded by offering his
hope that the Busan assembly could “take bold steps to launch a new phase on the way
towards fuller visible unity.”
H.G. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, co-moderator
of the Joint Consultative Committee with Christian World Communions, reflected on two
essential features of genuine ecumenism - fellowship and prayer. He noted that “it is
normal to be fascinated by the ‘first love’ (cf. Rev. 2.4) of our own church. But at the
same time through our fellowship we learn how to overcome ‘denominationalism’ and
‘confessionalism’ and make our ‘varieties of gifts,’ our ‘varieties of services’ and our
‘varieties of activities’ a source of mutual support; maturity and enrichment (cf. 1 Cor.
12.4-7).” When each church builds its foundation on the same rock of Jesus Christ and
prays one for another, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit will propel the
ecumenical movement as God’s movement toward God’s future.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in table-group discussions and then
offered plenary reflections, with comments including:
• the importance of the World Council of Churches as a fellowship of churches
rather than just a fellowship of enthusiastic people;
• the phenomenon of self-preservation within traditional churches when faced with
the emergence of new theologies and Christian movements;
• the need to engage in dialogue with the institutional expressions of global
Pentecostalism and not only with selected Pentecostal individuals;
• the desire to address the underlying assumptions that perpetuate structural
injustice within the ecumenical movement; and
• the challenge of migration on ecclesiology and doctrine.
Ms Omowunmi Iyabode Oyekola thanked the speakers and contributors to the discussion,
and then invited the general secretary to introduce the new publication on baptism from
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February > 2011
page 18
the Faith and Order Commission. He urged the churches to study the text and allow its
fresh perspective to inspire the journey toward full visible unity.
8.2 Plenary on interreligious relations and cooperation
Dame Mary Tanner and Ms Omowunmi Iyabode Oyekola co-moderated a hearing session
on interreligious relations and cooperation, with the purpose of reflecting on the rapid
changes in the interreligious landscape and engaging in a process of discernment about the
implications of these changes for the agenda of the World Council of Churches.
Rev. William Premkumar Ebenezer Joseph, Methodist Church Sri Lanka, shared about the
experience of interreligious dialogue in Sir Lanka, which has unfolded in three
disconnected spheres - the daily life of the people in their social and family interactions;
the formal interreligious dialogue of high-level thinkers; and the shared activism for
peace, justice and mutual understanding. His assessment of the impact of formal
interreligious dialogue was rather low, and he urged Christians to engage in searching
self-examination to uncover the ways in which the churches are perpetuating the mistakes
of colonialism and nationalism.
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks- Ririmasse, Presbyterian Protestant Church in the
Moluccas (Indonesia) spoke about the importance of interreligious dialogue in the
Indonesian context. “The Christians, especially those belonging to the Communion of
Churches in Indonesia, are beginning to realize that we cannot afford to exclude ourselves
from other religious communities nor exclude others from our life for we do need each
other... learning from experiences of living with people of other faith communities, we
realize that Indonesia is a common house not only for the Christians but for all religious
communities, despite the differences in our belief. We need to work together joining
hands to make our countries and our world a common house for all of us, a house where
human dignity is upheld and justice is made manifest. It is in this conviction that we need
to strive to make interreligious relations and cooperation work. It is in this conviction also
that the church leaders in Indonesia have come together and formed a strong moral
movement.”
Ms Christina Biere, Evangelical Church in Germany, shared from her perspective as a
teacher of Christian religious education in a multi-religious secondary school classroom.
Research shows that German public opinion lags behind other Europeans in embracing
religious freedom for Muslim communities. However, among young people, her
experience is that “what is connecting Muslim and Christian students is mainly the
interest in understanding and screening religion as guiding principle for their life. It is not
so much the comparison of differences that matters, but the capacity for giving orientation
and interpretation for the life of young adults, growing up in a very pluralistic world.”
Following the presentations, participants engaged in table-group discussions and then
offered plenary reflections, with comments including:
• the desire to include in these discussions an assessment of the various Asian
religions and Chinese ideologies;
• the lack of a strong Orthodox participation in current interreligious dialogue;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
1 6-22 February 201 1
page 19
• the importance of the World Council of Churches as a venue for sharing best
practices in interreligious dialogue; and
• the challenges of various religious fundamentalisms.
Ms Omowunmi Iyabode Oyekola thanked the speakers and contributors to the discussion,
and closed the session with a word of prayer.
8.3 Plenary on the community of women and men
Rev. Dr Bernice Powell-Jackson and Rev. Aaro Rytkonen co-moderated a hearing session
on the community of women and men. Dr Powell-Jackson began by recalling the message
by the three women WCC presidents to the 2009 central committee meeting, challenging
the council to more fully embrace its own historic and prophetic commitment to the
empowerment of women. Mr Rytkonen then reflected on the relevance of this question
today in all parts of the world, including in those countries that are commonly perceived
to offer women equal opportunity in society.
Rev. Dr Prof. Kondothra M. George, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, spoke about the
significance of language about God, remarking that the Cappadocian Fathers held Moses
as the prototypical theologian precisely because Moses never had his desire to see God
and know the name of God fulfilled. “The Cappadocians relativised all human language
and human concept regarding God... the one who has no name is given all possible
names.”
Rev. Gregor Henderson, Uniting Church in Australia, spoke about the participation of
women in the life and mission of the church. He began by acknowledging that different
churches prioritize different passages of scripture when seeking to characterize the just
community of women and men. Nonetheless, while women comprise the majority of
Christian worshippers in all contexts of the world, men continue to dominate church
governance structures. Even those churches and ecumenical bodies that have a stated
policy of equality between women and men find it difficult to live this out in practice. He
concluded by suggesting that the World Council of Churches renew its attention to the
issue of participation of women in the life of the church.
Dr Magali Nascimento Cunha, Igreja Metodista no Brasil, spoke in response to the
previous two presentations. She offered a “call to metanoia ” in response to the awareness
that “we have made God in our image and likeness and silenced the way God is God for
all, creating an image of God that builds barriers between men and women.” She noted
that the needed change goes beyond quotas. “Full participation of women through
numbers has to be achieved. Yet full participation also has to mean women being able to
speak, being able to do, to lead, women being respected as partners being seen, being
heard, their gifts being recognized and valued.” Metanoia or conversion will challenge
cultural and linguistic patterns, but “we need to avoid being purists and recognize that
there are aspects in our cultures that need to be challenged, need to be evangelized, need
conversion to God’s will and values around partnership, peace and just relationships.”
After table-group discussions, participants offered plenary reflections, including:
• the desire for “gender-responsible budgeting”;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 20
• the urgency of the many aspects of work required in moving toward equality of
women and men in church and society;
• an appeal from those churches that do not ordain women, that the measure of
women’s participation and empowerment in the church be framed more widely
than just ordination;
• the suggestion that the World Council of Churches needs a “gender policy”; and
• the desire for more systematic ecumenical work on the role of women in the
church.
After expressing appreciation to the panellists and participants, Rev. Dr Bernice Powell-
Jackson closed the session with a quote from Harriet Tubman: “I freed a thousand slaves.
I could have freed a thousand more if only they’d known they were slaves.”
9 Public issues
9.1 Proposals for actions on public issues
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session and invited
Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator of the public issues committee, to present the initial
proposals for actions on public issues at this central committee. Dr Abuom began by
reminding the central committee of the different purposes of a statement, a minute and a
resolution. She then informed the meeting that preparatory work had been undertaken on
the following four items:
• Statement on the Right to Water and Sanitation
• Statement on the Situation in Columbia
• Statement on the Situation of Indigenous Peoples of Australia
• Minute on the presence and witness of Christians in the Middle East.
Members of the central committee were invited to suggest additional issues according to
the standing policies by which these suggestions can be made. Brief preliminary responses
were made on the floor of the meeting.
Dr Abuom referred the central committee to the document detailing all public issues
actions taken since September 2009.
9.2 Second presentation of public issues
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks -Ririmasse moderated a hearing session and invited Dr
Agnes Abuom to make her second report on public issues. Dr Abuom shared the
following responses of the public issues committee to the suggestions received for
additional issues to be addressed:
• Helping End Conflict in the Congo - the WCC made a statement about the
Congo at the last central committee meeting, so it was not felt that a new
statement was necessary at this time.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 21
• The Situation in Madagascar - further work on this situation was not proposed at
the present time due to the complexity of the situation. The public issues
committee noticed that the WCC had addressed this issue in different ways in the
recent past, including sending a “living letters” team and a reconciliation and
mediation team that worked in collaboration with the AACC. It was proposed
that the general secretary be encouraged to address this issue with the churches in
the region.
• Migrant Workers, Migration and Human Rights - a minute would be written to
address concerns about the rights of migrants and migrant workers. There were
two proposals related to this matter, and the concerns of those proposals would
be addressed in the minute.
• The presence and witness of Christians in the Middle East - the public issues
committee would develop a minute on the presence and witness of Christians in
the Middle East.
• Illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories of Palestine - the WCC made a
statement about the Occupied Territories in Palestine at its most recent meeting,
and though the issue is still very present, it was not felt that another statement
was needed at this time. It was noted that a number of churches in countries that
have a seat on the UN Security Council are attempting to encourage their
governments to support a Security Council resolution. The public issues
committee asked the general secretary to address a letter to churches involved in
this initiative and to address a letter to the UN Secretary General articulating the
WCC’s desire for an end to the settlements in the occupied territories.
• Religious Crisis in Jos, Nigeria - at the last executive committee meeting
(September 2010), the situation in Nigeria was addressed, and a “living letters”
team was sent to Jos, so it was not felt that further work needed to be done at this
time.
• Strengthening Ecumenical Response to HIV/AIDS - the public issues committee
would develop a minute about this matter.
• The need for real and guaranteed protection for Christians, Jews and Muslims for
access to holy sites in Jerusalem - no specific decision had been made by the
public issues committee in relation to this proposal at this time; however, this
would be further discussed at the next public issues committee meeting during
the week.
• Response to the declaration from H.H. Pope Shenouda III on the recent events in
Egypt - it was felt that this situation could be addressed in the minute on the
situation of Christians in the Middle East.
Members of the central committee responded to the decisions of the public issues
committee and reiterated the importance of many forms of daily accompaniment and
advocacy in addition to public issues statements and minutes during central committee
meetings.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febmary 2011
page 22
9.3 Action on public issues
H. E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a decision session and
invited the public issues committee to make their recommendations to the central
committee.
Dr Agnes Abuom began by noting that, in the light of the earlier discussions at the central
committee and at the public issues committee regarding a proposal that the central
committee consider issuing a statement on settlements in Palestine, the public issues
committee discussed the most recent development at the UN Security Council regarding
the United States of America’s veto against the Resolution on Israeli Settlements in the
Palestinian Territories. Considering the need for responding to the latest developments,
the public issues committee decided to propose a resolution for the consideration of the
central committee.
9.3.1 Statement on the Situation in Colombia
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on the Situation in Colombia
I . Colombia has been witnessing a protracted internal armed conflict for more than half
a century. Violence has caused the death of thousands of people, while more than four
million have been internally displaced and continue to be displaced. Indigenous
people, Afro-Colombians, farmers, human rights defenders, journalists, trade-
unionists, and church and community leaders seeking land restitution and justice
often become victims of enforced disappearances and killings. Serious human rights
violations and abuses by the army and different armed groups, such as the guerrillas
and successor groups to paramilitaries, have continued throughout 2010.
2. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Navanethem Pillay, in her 2010
report on the situation of human rights defenders in Colombia expressed deep
concern over the increased threats and stigmatization of several categories of human
right defenders by public officials and non-state actors. She pointed to cases of
killings, threats, arbitrary arrests and detentions, sexual offences, break-ins into
homes and offices, illegal surveillance by state intelligence services and information
theft directed against human rights defenders. These have been attributed to members
of illegal armed groups that emerged from the paramilitary demobilization and
guerrilla groups, in particular the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s
Army (FARC-EP), as well as, in some cases, members of security forces.
3. In August 2010 President Juan Manuel Santos succeeded President Alvaro Uribe,
whose administration was marked by extensive human rights violations, including the
victimization of opposition politicians, Supreme Court judges and journalists. The
new administration has taken some positive steps on the legislative level with regard
to land restitution and compensation to victims of abuses by state agents. President
Santos has publicly denounced abuses and threats against human rights defenders and
highlighted the need for an independent judiciary and respect for the rule of law.
Although these are positive steps, they are not sufficient enough to respond in an
efficient way to the ongoing abuses. The new administration has to prove in a much
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 23
more concrete way its decisiveness and will to tackle the crisis and reach a peaceful
solution to the armed conflict that has ravaged the social fabric of Colombian society.
4. The Latin America Regional Group meeting of the WCC and the Latin American
Council of Churches (CLAI), held in Bogota, Colombia in 2009, called for increased
international ecumenical accompaniment. Colombia was also a focus of the WCC’s
United Nation’s Advocacy Week in 2009. The executive committee of the World
Council of Churches (WCC) which met on 23-26 February 2010 in Bossey,
Switzerland, issued a minute on the situation in Colombia. The WCC has a long
history of accompaniment with the Colombian people in their struggle for an end to
the armed conflict as “justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for
truth has fallen in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking,
and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey” (Isaiah 59:14-15). The WCC has
been engaged in programmes promoting peace with justice and reconciliation; human
rights; and addressing the question of widespread impunity. In its minute, the
executive committee reiterated WCC’s solidarity and prayers for the Colombian
people, but at the same time it called for the development of accompaniment
programmes to support the churches and people in Colombia in their peace and
reconciliation efforts.
5. Furthermore, the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the WCC in
its meeting at St. Vlash Monastery in Durres, Albania, 2-8 October 2010,
recommended that a programme for ecumenical accompaniment in Colombia be
established. Responding to this call, the WCC organized in December 2010 in
Geneva a Consultation on Colombia where representatives from Colombian churches,
CLAI and ecumenical organizations in Europe and North America participated and
reflected on possible responses to the Colombian crisis. The consultation
acknowledged the importance of a biblical and theological perspective: the solidarity
of God with those who suffer. It discussed the possibility of launching an
accompaniment programme whose long-term goals would be to protect social leaders
and their organizations and communities, strengthen the capacities of various groups
for advocacy, reduce fears in their communities, especially those “returning”, and
empowering victims. The consultation also proposed the creation of an Ecumenical
Forum on Colombia made up of churches, ecumenical groups and local civil-society
organisations. It was decided that an international consultation with national, regional
and international ecumenical partners be organized in Colombia in 201 1, in order to
discuss more specific action plans and appropriate steps to be taken in the near future
together with CLAI.
The WCC central committee, meeting in Geneva 16-22 February 2011, therefore:
A. Calls upon all parties to the conflict in Colombia to fully abide by international
human rights law and international humanitarian law, respecting the life, integrity and
property of the civilian population;
B. Urges the Colombian government to continue the necessary normative and policy
changes (or advances) and take specific measures to ensure the investigation,
prosecution and punishment of those state and non-state actors responsible for human
rights violations against civilians;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 24
C. Commends the work of the Colombian churches and civil society organizations in
their efforts to promote peace in Colombia and highlights the need to put an end to
the conflict through supporting and promoting platforms for peaceful dialogues and
political negotiations while promoting a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the
disarming of the paramilitary and the restoration of the rule of law;
D. Reaffirms its expressions of solidarity and prayers for the Colombian people,
especially the families of those who were killed, disappeared or displaced and
expresses deep appreciation to all who have already made Colombian peace
initiatives a priority;
E. Appeals to governments to assess the impact of trade provisions on human rights
before they enter into a free trade agreement (FT A) with Colombia and to adopt
sustainable policies that give particular attention to the protection of farmers,
Indigenous Peoples, Afro-Colombians and trade-unionists, as their rights are being
highly impacted by the presence of transnational corporations in the country;
F. Reiterates the request to the government of the United States of America for an
immediate cessation of “Plan Colombia”, and for foreign assistance to Colombia to
be redirected from military to humanitarian purposes and for a renewed emphasis on
strengthening respect for human rights in the country; and
G. Requests the WCC to take necessary steps to organise together with CLAI an
international consultation in Colombia with the participation of churches, ecumenical
development agencies, national, regional and international ecumenical organisations
and local civil society representatives in order to explore the possibility for an
accompaniment programme and/or an ecumenical forum to support the churches and
people in Colombia in their peace work.
9.3.2 Statement on the Right to Water and Sanitation
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on the Right to Water and Sanitation
1. Water is life. The right to water is the right to life. Today, however, billions of people
all over the world have no or insufficient access to clean water and safe sanitation.
Conflicts over increasingly scarce water resources, not only between nations and
competing economic sectors but also among and within communities, are already a
reality. They can be expected to become more frequent and intense in the years to
come. In this situation, those most affected and endangered are the poor and the
marginalized, for whom the water crisis poses a dire threat to their health, livelihoods,
and very existence. The indiscriminate use and abuse, exploitation and
mismanagement of water resources are often aggravated or caused by the pursuit of a
profit-oriented, capital growth-centred development paradigm. Discrimination and
exclusion are root causes of impoverishment which includes the lack of access to safe
water and sanitation that causes the death of two million people every year.
2. Many governments have invested significant resources in striving to meet their
commitment to the Millennium Development Goals to halve the proportion of those
without access to safe water and sanitation by 2015. Yet, public authorities still often
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 25
fail to regulate the ownership, management and distribution of safe water to the full
benefit of the most vulnerable and marginalized. Interests of the economically and
politically powerful too often prevail over those of the poor.
3. The United Nations (UN) Independent Expert on the issue of human rights
obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation confirms that it is
always the same groups and individuals who are left out, namely those who face
physical, institutional, cultural or other barriers, such as women, children, slum
dwellers, people living in rural areas, people living in poverty, indigenous groups,
minorities and persons with disabilities. The human right to water and sanitation is a
crucial tool for bringing to light and addressing such systemic exclusion and
discrimination. Like all other human rights, the underlying principles are non¬
discrimination, participation and empowerment, transparency and accountability. In
the world today, human rights have been an effective ethical and legal framework to
do justice to the most vulnerable, the poor and the oppressed.
4. The World Council of Churches (WCC) Assembly, held in Porto Alegre, Brazil in
2006, affirmed the biblical significance of “water as the cradle of life, an expression
of God’s grace in perpetuity for the whole of creation” (cf. Genesis l:2ff, Genesis
2 : 5 ff) . The biblical stories and images of water reflect our present day reality and
engagement with this basic element of life, reminding us both of the destructive and
of the life giving and sustaining nature of water we experience in our lives.
5. Since WCC Assembly, significant progress has been achieved in the recognition of
water as a fundamental right by the international community. Most recently, the UN
Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution affirming that access to both
water and sanitation is a human right. The right to water and sanitation is now almost
universally recognized as a legally binding right. A very limited number of
governments have not yet publicly affirmed the rights to water and sanitation. Even
fewer remain that continue to explicitly reject either the right to water or the right to
sanitation. Included among the most prominent are the United Kingdom and Canada.
6. Churches and their partners have contributed to this achievement, including by
working through and with the Ecumenical Water Network based at the WCC. Having
achieved recognition, promoting the implementation of the right to water and
sanitation both in law and in practice is now crucial. As climate change, population
growth and changing lifestyles increase the pressure on and competition for the
world’s water resources, it becomes ever more important to apply the right to water as
a guide, safeguard and yardstick for the actions of governments and other
stakeholders, including the church. With its focus on the needs of the most
vulnerable, the right to water and sanitation offers a concrete tool to pursue justice for
the poor and the marginalised.
7. As churches we are called to serve and be examples in the way we use and share
water. We are called to stand with the most vulnerable as they defend their rights to
life, health and livelihoods in situations marked by scarcity, conflict, occupation and
discrimination (Isaiah 1:17, Amos 5:24). We must remember that water is a blessing
to be treasured, to be shared with all people and creation, to be protected for future
generations.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 26
The WCC central committee, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 16-22 February 2011,
therefore:
A. Rejoices in the recognition of the human right to water and sanitation;
B. Commends the international community for the progress made towards the
Millennium Development Goals related to water and sanitation;
C. Stresses that more needs to be done to ensure that policies and other measures reach
the poor and most vulnerable, as access to water and sanitation is still marked by
discrimination, injustice and inequality;
D. Notes with concern that a diminished understanding of water simply as a commodity
that may be sold and traded according to market principles endangers access to and
control over this life-giving gift of God for those who are economically, socially, or
politically disadvantaged;
E. Urges governments to adopt sustainable policies that give particular attention to the
rights of disadvantaged groups, communities and individuals, and that address the
underlying structural reasons for discrimination in access to water and sanitation;
F. Challenges those governments that have not yet adopted the principle that access to
water and sanitation are legally binding human rights to do so;
G. Encourages governments to incorporate the right to water and sanitation into national
legislation and policies, making it enforceable at the national level, and to ensure
access to appropriate legal remedies in all cases of violation;
H. Calls for the establishment of a mandate for a Special Rapporteur on the right to
water and sanitation at the UN Human Rights Council; and
I. Reaffirms the commitment of WCC member churches and ecumenical organizations
to undertake advocacy efforts for the implementation of the right to water at all levels
and to foster international cooperation of churches and ecumenical partners on water
concerns through participation in the Ecumenical Water Network (EWN), as
expressed in the Statement on “Water for Life” of the WCC Assembly in 2006.
9.3.3 Statement on the Situation of Indigenous Peoples of Australia
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on the Situation of Indigenous Peoples of Australia
1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are the Indigenous Peoples and
traditional custodians of the land now known as Australia. They are diverse Peoples
with some 250 language groups and nations and are known as having the oldest living
cultures in the world. However, their way of life, identity and wellbeing is under
threat from the ongoing effects of colonization and attempts to assimilate them into
non-Indigenous “Western” ways.
2. In light of these concerns, particularly those expressed by Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Peoples and the churches in Australia, the World Council of Churches
(WCC) sent a “Living Letters” team to Australia in September 2010. The team visited
several Aboriginal communities and heard stories and experiences of the
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 27
“Intervention”. The “Living Letters” team expressed concern about the
discrimination, oppression and racism they observed and which Aboriginal People
experience on a daily basis. They also expressed dismay at the lack of consultation
and negotiation by Governments at all levels.
3. Across Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are over represented
in all areas of disadvantage. In many communities there are people living in extreme
poverty without appropriate access to health services, education, employment and
housing. In some communities the effects of dispossession, forced removals from
families, inter-generational trauma, racism and poverty manifest as social issues such
as alcohol and drug addictions, violence and social breakdown.
4. While the situation is dire for many in all parts of Australia, in the Northern Territory
(NT) of Australia there are particular challenges for many living in Aboriginal
communities. For example, the life expectancy gap for all Indigenous Australians is
less than for non-Indigenous Australians, but the gap in the Northern Territory is one
of the highest at 14 years. Infant mortality rates are up to four times higher than for
the non-Indigenous population. In many NT communities there is a lack of access to
health care, housing, clean water, electricity and education. The more remote the
community the worse the situation gets.
5. In 2007, the Australian government introduced the Northern Territory Emergency
Response (NTER) which came to be known as the “Intervention”. This was
introduced in response to a report on Aboriginal child sexual abuse called Ampe
Akelyernemane Meke Mekarle “Little Children are Sacred”. The report made 97
recommendations to address the Aboriginal child sexual abuse highlighted in the
report. Although this report was commissioned by the local NT government, the
Australian government did not wait for their response. Rather, it claimed that this
report identified a “national emergency” that required an immediate “Intervention”
and announced a wide range of policies which were to be implemented in “prescribed
areas”, all of which were Aboriginal communities in the NT.
6. The “Intervention” measures were broad in nature and addressed welfare reform and
employment; law and order; education; family and child support; child and family
health; housing; land tenure; and governance and management of the “Intervention”.
7. While there was no dispute that the NT needed a significant influx of resources and
programs, and it was acknowledged that there had been many years of neglect by
government, there were many concerning aspects of the “Intervention”. These
concerns included the lack of consultation; the compulsory acquisition of five year
leases over Aboriginal owned and operated land; compulsory alcohol and
pornography bans; the cessation of an employment scheme called the Community
Development Employment Program (CDEP); compulsory health checks for all
children; and promises of increased resources for health and education. Also
introduced was compulsory income quarantining. This meant that anybody in a
prescribed area who was on a welfare payment was given a card to access their
money, but they were only allowed to spend this half of their income on food, clothes
and other essential items, in certain shops. This applied to all Aboriginal people on
welfare whether they were parents or carers of children or not and whether they had
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 28
problems managing their money and providing for their families or not. Notably the
“Intervention” legislation did not address one single recommendation that came out
of the Little Children are Sacred Report.
8. Additionally, many aspects of the “Intervention” were discriminatory and the
government found it necessary to suspend aspects of the Racial Discrimination Act
(1975) in order to pass the necessary legislation to implement the “Intervention”. This
meant that nobody had any redress to complain about the discriminatory aspects of it.
9. The “Intervention” policies brought much shame to Aboriginal Peoples. The nature of
the policies and much of the discussion at the time implied that they were the cause of
their own disadvantage. At a practical level the “Intervention” had a severe impact on
day to day life. For example, people were not able to spend their money how they
wanted and felt shame at having storekeepers telling them they were not able to buy
some items. They also felt embarrassed that much of the discourse implied all
Aboriginal Peoples were alcoholics and paedophiles. In fact, one of the first actions
the federal government took was to place a sign at the entrance to every Aboriginal
community prohibiting alcohol and pornography in those communities. The
government used claims of a paedophilia ring in the Northern Territory to justify the
“Intervention”, but did not include a sufficient amount of consultation and negotiation
with the Aboriginal community in the investigation of these allegations and resolution
of the situation.
10. Many human rights advocates, church groups and communities themselves have
spoken out against the “Intervention” but not all the criticism has been domestic.
Australia has come under international scrutiny of the situation for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Professor James Anaya, the United Nations (UN)
Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples visited the Northern Territory and
expressed concern about the discriminatory nature of many of the aspects of the
“Intervention” and the contravention of many international human rights standards to
which Australia is a signatory.
1 1 . The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has also
commented on the “Intervention” and said: “The Committee regrets the
discriminatory impact this intervention has had on affected communities including
restrictions on Aboriginal rights to land, property, social security, adequate standards
of living, cultural development, work and remedies.”
12. The “Living Letters” team reported that in every place they visited they were told that
life had not improved under the “Intervention” and that it had in fact deteriorated.
Their message to those who had so generously shared their lives and stories with the
members of the “Living Letters” team was that they do not stand alone. They
expressed a sense of responsibility to ensure that their voices do not go unheeded.
The WCC central committee, meeting in Geneva 16-22 February, 2011, therefore:
A. Expresses solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of Australia, the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and their right to live in traditional lands; maintain and
enrich culture and ensure traditions are strengthened and passed on for generations to
come;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 29
B. Urges the Australian government to end the “Intervention” and instead to engage in
proper consultation and negotiation processes which are genuinely inclusive of
Aboriginal Peoples, which will better empower and enable them to identify their own
aspirations, issues of concern and which will involve their full participation in
creating and implementing solutions;
C. Requests the Australian government to ensure that policies affecting Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples comply with international conventions and, in
particular, conform to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples and the International Labour Organization’s Covenant 169;
D. Calls on WCC member churches to continue to raise awareness about the specific
issues facing Indigenous Peoples and to develop advocacy campaigns to support the
rights, aspirations and needs of Indigenous Peoples; and
E. Encourages WCC member churches to support the continued development of
theological reflection by Indigenous Peoples which promote Indigenous visions of
full, good and abundant life and strengthen their own spiritual and theological
reflection.
9.3.4 Minute on the Presence and Witness of Christians in the Middle East
The central committee approved the following minute by consensus:
Minute on the Presence and Witness of Christians in the Middle East
1 . Two recent attacks against Christians in their places of worship in the Middle East
have raised fears and concerns among churches everywhere. Close on the heels of the
brutal attack against Christians praying in churches in Baghdad, Iraq in October 2010
came news that Christians who were praying were subject to an equally vicious and
cruel attack in Alexandria, Egypt on New Year’s Eve, December 2010. These two
events resulted in a huge public outcry.
2. The World Council of Churches (WCC), which counts within its fellowship a
sizeable number of Churches in the Middle East, several of whom are founding
members of the WCC, is alarmed at the nature and consequences of these attacks. An
equally major concern is that these incidents are being exploited by some political
parties in several countries as well as by some religious groups to fuel islamophobic
tendencies and negative images about Islam.
3. The situation could easily assume detrimental dimensions if, in the name of
protecting their future and maintaining their security, the above trends were further
advanced. The WCC’s approach to the presence and witness of Christians in the
Middle East is radically different. Rather than allowing the situation to deteriorate
into one of conflict and antagonism towards other citizens in different countries, the
imperative is to find ways and means of bringing to the fore a genuine Christian spirit
of solidarity.
4. The WCC seeks to reinforce a positive engagement for churches in the life of the
nations to which they belong. The continuous presence and active participation of
Christians in the life of the entire region has been a remarkable witness to the
Christian faith regardless of the times of torment and suffering at various junctures.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 30
5. Since its inception, the WCC has viewed the Middle East as a region of special
interest, being the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. For Christians, the
region is the place where our Lord was incarnated and bom, preached, suffered
crucifixion, and was resurrected. It is also the land from where the Good News was
spread to the entire inhabited world. Our living faith has its roots in this land, and is
nourished and nurtured by the unbroken witness of the local churches who have their
own roots from the apostolic times. Without this Christian presence, the conviviality
among peoples from different faiths, cultures, civilisations, which is a sign of God’s
love for all humanity, will be endangered. In addition, its extinction will be a sign of
failure of the ecumenical family to express the Gospel imperative for costly
solidarity.
6. Christians in the Middle East are facing unprecedented challenges now, and are
attempting to respond through new forms of witness. They are more aware than ever
that when they express together a common vision about their role in society and
deliver a unified message, their voice is better heard and their presence and impact in
their societies is more appreciated.
7. In the birthplace of the Lord Jesus Christ, Christians have come together from all
church traditions and expressed their common word of “faith, hope and love” from
the “heart of their suffering”. The Kairos Palestine document challenges the
ecumenical family and the international community to put an end to the Israeli
occupation. It is a call to the Palestinian community to remain steadfast in their land,
witnessing to God’s love for all, while peacefully resisting the evil of occupation. The
community is a sign of hope for the ecumenical family.
8. Christians in Iraq have suffered, like all citizens, from the disastrous and tragic
consequences of the illegal, immoral and ill-advised invasion of their country. After
several years of occupation, they still lack security, including social security. Facing
tremendous challenges, Christians have come together and formed a “Christian
Council of Church Leaders in Iraq” with a vision that is unequivocally committed to
the advancement of all Iraqi citizens, aiming at engaging in promoting ecumenical
initiatives, dialogue and partnership with Muslims.
9. The recent developments in Egypt have demonstrated that the democratic aspirations
of a population cannot be suppressed and that the social struggle for transformation
can lead to equal citizenship. Christians in Egypt, especially young people, were part
of this struggle for dignity and freedom. Despite the recent attacks against them -
even in their places of worship - from obscure forces that threaten their stability and
dignity, they have remained steadfast and undeterred. They remain resolute and
unwavering to make their Christian presence felt through acts of service that are life
transforming for individuals and Egyptian society, as for example when Christians
recently formed a living circle hand-in-hand for the protection of praying Muslims in
Tahrir Square in Cairo.
10. However, an alarming trend is that in some parts of the region religious minorities,
including Christians, do not enjoy equal citizenship and their presence is often
challenged by open discrimination, especially when it comes to construction of
churches. They continue to face restrictions on their practice of religion, and on their
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febmary 2011
page 31
access to places of worship, and sometimes their historical existence is threatened
through confiscation of church properties and disrespect of their cultural heritage.
1 1 . The Middle East Council of Churches exists to be the rallying point that can mobilize
churches in the region and provide genuine perspectives to the relations between
churches in the region and the rest of the world. The need to maintain and strengthen
this ecumenical tool is essential in the face of the increasing challenges and signs of
hope that are opening up throughout the region.
12. Recent political developments in the region point to signs of hope for democratic
changes, respect for human rights and the rule of law in several countries. However,
the task ahead is arduous. Notions of a comprehensive just peace are not anywhere
near being realized. The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and of other Arab
lands remains a source of unrest and tensions in the region and beyond, and a major
obstacle to achieving a just peace that can bring security, stability and prosperity to
all peoples in the region. For the WCC, it remains a non-negotiable principle that
peace and reconciliation must be conditioned by justice.
13. God’s justice and love for all of creation, the fundamental rights of all people, respect
for human dignity, solidarity with the needy and dialogue with people of other faiths
have always guided WCC policy concerning the region. The WCC continues to
believe that the core challenge for the churches, but also for the whole ecumenical
family, is to witness to God’s justice in the midst of unjust occupations, deprivation
of freedom and oppression. The irrevocable call is to courageously challenge the
sources and structures of these injustices, as well as the authorities that perpetuate
them.
The central committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva from 16 to 22 February 2011,
therefore:
A. Calls for solidarity of WCC member churches with Christians in Iraq in multiple
ways including:
i. Providing support to the newly formed Christian Council of Church Leaders
in Iraq (CCCLI) so that it grows into a unifying force for churches to act in
unity to rebuild war-ravaged Iraqi society;
ii. Supporting churches to build capacities to serve Iraqi people to rebuild their
lives;
iii. Extending specific cooperation to Christian communities, especially those
who have been disadvantaged by the war and occupation, in ways that make
them self-reliant and encouraged to remain in Iraq as a continuing sign and
affirmation of Christian presence and witness in the country; and
iv. Providing support to Iraqi Christian refugees living in neighbouring
countries.
B. Urges WCC member churches to study and disseminate the Kairos Palestine
document, and to listen and concretely respond to the Palestinian Christian
aspirations and calls expressed in this document;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 32
C. Encourages WCC member churches to examine and act on the substance and
proposals of the conference on “Transforming Communities: Christians and Muslims
building a common future” jointly convened by the WCC and a number of
international Muslim organizations and networks in November 2010;
D. Endorses the call of this conference for the formation of a joint working group, which
can be mobilized whenever a crisis threatens to arise in which Christians and
Muslims find themselves in conflict;
E. Regards current events in various countries in the Middle East as an opportunity for
peaceful positive changes in the societies, and encourages all people in the region,
including Christians, to continue to play their part in the common longing to secure
human rights, peace and respect for all people of the region;
F. Calls for convening an ecumenical international conference in 2012 to address the
new challenges Christians are facing in the Middle East, in collaboration with the
churches in the region;
G. Invites churches and their agencies who are engaged in support and solidarity work in
the Middle East to provide coordinated support in the re-envisioning and re-
invigoration process of the Middle East Council of Churches so that its mission as a
unique ecumenical tool rallying and coordinating church witness and action can be
fulfilled effectively; and
H. Prays and continues to be involved in proactive ecumenical advocacy in solidarity
with the churches in the Middle East.
9.3.5 Resolution on the United States of America’s Veto against the UN Security
Council Resolution condemning Israeli Settlements in the Palestinian
Territories
The central committee approved the following resolution by consensus:
The central committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Geneva from 16
to 22 February 2011, expresses its deep concern and disappointment that the United
States of America vetoed a Resolution at the UN Security Council, on 18th February
2011, condemning Israeli settlements in the Palestinian Territories as an obstacle to
peace.
The member churches of WCC, while acknowledging the right of the State of Israel
to exist in security within internationally recognized borders, point out that the
settlement policy of the State of Israel violates international law and obstructs the
peace process between Israelis and Palestinians with unforeseeable consequences for
peace and stability in the whole Middle East.
The WCC central committee notes, on the other hand, that the support in favour of
the Resolution was overwhelming as 14 out of 15 members of the UN Security
Council have voted in favour of the Resolution, and some 130 countries co-sponsored
the Resolution.
Referring to the Cairo speech of President Barak Obama, which raised high
expectations for a just peace in the Middle East, the WCC central committee
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 33
considers that the US veto against the Resolution contradicts the statement by the US
president, that “The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli
settlements. . . . This construction violates previous agreements and undermines
efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.”
The WCC central committee believes that the unilateral decision of the USA to veto
the Resolution is a deeply regrettable mistake and the central committee calls upon
the government of the USA, along with the other nations of the Security Council and
the United Nations, to intensify efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the
region with respect to law and justice.
Rev. John Jillions, substitute for V. Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, Orthodox Church in
America, wished to have his dissent to the resolution minuted on two grounds - that it
does not refer to the reasons why the USA vetoed the UN Security Resolution and is
therefore one-sided, and that it is redundant with points adequately made in the Minute on
the Presence and Witness of Christians in the Middle East.
9.3.6 Minute on the Rights of Migrants and Migrant Workers
The central committee approved the following minute by consensus:
Minute on the Rights of Migrants and Migrant Workers
1 . In light of the consistent biblical invitation to create communities of hospitality and
care for the sojourners and the strangers who reside in our lands; and in remembrance
of Christ’s story that the righteous would care for strangers with the same respect that
they would extend to Christ himself (cf. Matthew 25), the central committee of the
World Council of Churches offers the following reflections on the need for churches
to care for the plight of migrants and migrant workers in our world.
2. Migration continues to be one of the most pressing challenges of the contemporary
world. According to the International Organization for Migration’s World Migration
Report 2010, it is estimated that 214 million people live and work in a country other
than that of their birth or citizenship. At least half of the migrants are in the category
of migrant workers and around 15% of them are believed to be in irregular status. The
growing pace of economic globalization as well as the current economic crisis has
created more migrant workers than ever before.
3. Unemployment and increasing poverty have prompted many workers in developing
countries to seek work abroad, while developed countries have increased their
demand for labour and the requirements for immigration, especially skilled labour.
Although migrants contribute to economic growth of host countries as well as home
countries, their fundamental rights have been violated, especially in the contexts of
the current economic crisis. The fact remains that in many situations, migrants and
migrant workers lack adequate social protection, and their educational qualifications
- many of which have enhanced their applications for citizenship - are not fairly
recognized by the receiving country. Their contributions to enrich the countries and
situations in various ways - human development, cultural diversity, knowledge and
technological skills, contribution to demographic balance in countries where ageing
populations are increasing - have been totally ignored.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 34
4. Several newly industrialised economic countries allow migrant workers with irregular
status to stay and work; these migrants continue to live in most vulnerable situations.
Migrants in an irregular situation are often denied even the most basic labour
protections, due process guarantees, personal security and healthcare. Rendered
vulnerable by their irregular status, they are often afraid or unable to seek protection
and relief from the authorities in receiving or sending countries.
5. In many contexts, human rights violations of migrant workers are closely linked to
discriminatory laws and practices, and to deep-seated attitudes of prejudice and
xenophobia, all of which contribute to the increased vulnerability of these individuals
and groups. Political and legal debates on international migration are generally
focused on issues such as border control, terrorism, transnational crimes and irregular
migration. In such discussions, the human rights of migrants remain subordinate, if
not marginal, to the concerns of the states.
6. In many host countries, a large number of migrants and migrant workers are unjustly
detained without effective access to the necessary processes for the protection of their
legal and human rights.
7. The International Convention'on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers
and Members of Their Families (ICRMW) was adopted in 1990 and entered into
force in 2003. The main objective of the Convention is to promote respect for
migrants’ human rights. In so doing, the Convention does not create new rights for
migrants, but aims at guaranteeing equal treatment and the same working conditions
for nationals and migrants, whether documented or in irregular status. In other words,
although legal migrants are entitled to claim more rights than undocumented
migrants, the fundamental human rights of all need to be respected. It should be
noted, in passing, that even though many countries have ratified this agreement, the
EU members, the United States, Canada and Australia have, as yet, failed to do so.
8. While the issue of rights for migrant workers is different from issues related to human
trafficking, we note that the vulnerability of migrant workers sometimes creates
contexts in which migrant workers and their families are exposed to greater risks of
sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, and multiple discriminations and specific
challenges in access to employment and health services.
9. The World Council of Churches, through the Commission of the Churches on
International Affairs (CCIA), has been actively involved in advocacy related to
migration and the rights of migrant workers. Several member churches of the WCC
have been actively involved in addressing the concerns of the migrants and migrant
workers in their local contexts. However, a more coordinated and systematic
approach to address the concerns of the migrants, migrant workers and their families
needs to be undertaken within the ecumenical family in order to address this issue in a
global ecumenical advocacy agenda.
Recalling the recommendations laid out in the Memorandum and Recommendations on
Practising Hospitality in an Era of New Forms of Migration (2005 central committee), the
central committee of the World Council of Churches meeting in Geneva from 16 to 22
February 2011, therefore:
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 35
A. Encourages the WCC to initiate more coordinated advocacy initiatives within the
framework of the recently constituted CCIA Working Group on Migrants, Migrant
Workers and Stateless People;
B. Reaffirms the importance of fostering a culture of prayer, worship, encounter and
hospitality that will deepen and enrich the inclusive call to Christian community;
C. Stresses the need for WCC member churches to call on States and closely work with
civil society to combat the human trafficking and exploitation, especially of women
and children for sexual exploitation;
D. Urges churches to develop an advocacy strategy in their respective countries to
encourage their governments to sign and ratify the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families',
E. Condemns the unjust detention of migrants; and
F. Commends the commitment of churches and Christians who are engaged in
protecting and safeguarding the rights of migrants and migrant workers.
9.3.7 Minute on Strengthening the Ecumenical Response to HIV/AIDS
The central committee approved the following minute by consensus:
Minute on Strengthening the Ecumenical Response to HIV/AIDS
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in
the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind,
having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Let the same mind be in you
that was in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2: 1,2,5)
1 . The three decades of living with HIV and AIDS in our world has been a journey of
revelation of our vulnerabilities and strengths as communities, churches and as
individuals. Even though the world has made great progress in care, prevention and
treatment, there are more than 33 million people living with HIV in the world today.
While currently there are more than five million people on HIV treatment, nearly 10
million people are waiting to receive treatment. And though the spread of the disease
has slowed in many regions, in 2009 there were an estimated 2.6 million new HIV
infections worldwide.
2. The World Council of Churches started to work on HIV and AIDS 25 years ago and
many member churches have made great strides in dealing with HIV in a holistic
manner. It is the tenth year of service of the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in
Africa, working with Churches and faith communities in accompanying people living
with HIV and in transforming the theological perspectives in facing HIV and in
striving to become compassionate and competent in confronting the root causes of the
pandemic.
3. But the factors that make our communities vulnerable continue to challenge us.
Poverty and inequity; violence and insecurity; broken relationships in families and
communities; the low priority given to women and children in society; the inability to
address the issues related to human sexuality and intravenous drug use; fragile
livelihoods and lack of food security; lack of universal access to HIV prevention,
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 36
treatment, care and support, all contribute to this vulnerability. The decline in
international and national investments in countering HIV and the inertia in
mainstreaming HIV prevention, care and treatment into our daily life, threatens to
undo the gains that have been made over the decades.
The central committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva 16-22 February 2011, calls the
WCC member churches to:
A. Remember the millions of lives lost to AIDS and to continue to uphold their families
and communities in prayer and action;
B. Acknowledge the ongoing work of churches and faith communities in accompanying
all those among us who live with HIV and those affected by the impact of the
pandemic and to praise God for the witness of those living positively with HIV;
C. Review the work we have done thus far in our own contexts and to fully participate,
with civil society and governments in the UN General Assembly Comprehensive
AIDS Review to be held in June 2011;
D. Renew our commitment to serve communities in light of the changing face of the
pandemic and the transforming needs of all people affected by the disease, including:
i. children bom with HIV approaching sexual maturity;
ii. couples where one or both are living with HIV;
iii. widows, widowers and orphans; and
iv. communities, to ensure that universal access to prevention, care, support and
treatment of HIV reach the millions who are yet to receive it;
E. Persevere in eliminating stigma and discrimination against those who are living with
HIV and AIDS;
F. Strengthen the work of regional and national networks contributing to the ecumenical
response to HIV, sharing good practises, experiences and resources; and
G. Reaffirm our ecumenical commitment to “Live the Promise,” strengthening the
campaign of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, working with civil society to
measure up to our responsibility and embracing the vision of the Joint United Nations
Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) - “Zero new infections. Zero discrimination.
Zero AIDS related deaths”.
Triune God, our healer and strength, we bring to you the pain of the world and those who
live under the shadow of death due to the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Forgive us for our
complacency and our failure to act sufficiently, and to hold those in power accountable.
We pray that you help us to see the face of Christ in all who are living with HIV, to help
and support each other with compassion and love. We also pray that you grant us the
grace and courage to make ourselves and our communities less vulnerable to HIV. Amen.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 3 7
10 Finance
10.1 First report on finance
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session and invited Dean Anders
Gadegaard, moderator of the finance committee, to make his first presentation on finance,
as follows:
10.1.1 Introduction
The moderator of the finance committee to presented an overview of WCC finances to the
central committee. The report provided an update on financial results since the last
meeting and considered future financial perspectives. In particular the report referred to
the contribution income trends over the last seven years to highlight the challenges for the
council.
10.1.2 2009 Financial report
The audited financial statements were authorized for issue on 30 April 2010. A relatively
balanced result was achieved, with total income of CHF 36.3 million, and total
expenditure of CHF 36.6 million. The required increase to unrestricted and designated
funds of CHF 0.1 million was achieved. For the first time since defining the Funds and
Reserves Policy in 2003, the entire membership and other unrestricted contributions,
totalling CHF 5.9 million, were distributed to cover programme costs.
General reserves were reduced by CHF 2.9 million to CHF 7 million in accordance with
plans. The reduction reflected the investment in 2009 of WCC’ s own funds in the
completion of the fire security project and main hall renovation in the Ecumenical Centre.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 38
10.1.3 Preliminary results 2010
2010
Unaudited
CHF 000s
2010
Revised
Budget
CHF 000s
Income
Membership contributions
5,146
5,325
Other unrestricted contributions
111
171
Programme contributions
21,279
21,828
Investments and currency gains/(losses)
(462)
58
Rentals, sales & misc. income
6,268
5,714
Total income
32,342
33,096
Expend-
iture
Direct programme costs
10,975
12,467
Staff costs
16,330
16,709
All other costs and transfers
3,893
4,245
Total costs and transfers
31,198
33,421
Surplus/(Deficit)
1,144
(325)
Increase/(Decrease) in Restricted Funds
469
(820)
Increase Unrestricted & Designated funds
675
495
Net Surplus/ (Deficit) for the year
1,144
(325)
In 2010, preliminary results reported CHF 32.3 million in total income and CHF 3 1 .2
million total expenditure, an overall increase in funds and reserves of CHF 1 . 1 million.
The increase to unrestricted and designated funds of CHF 0.7 million slightly exceeded
the revised budget target of CHF 0.5 million.
The expenditure budget was reduced from CHF 33.9 million to CHF 33.4 million in
September 2010 for two principal reasons. Firstly, the value of contributions in Swiss
francs was adversely affected by the weakening of major currencies against the Swiss
franc. Secondly, budgeted expenditure was increased by CHF 0.3 million to cover the cost
of staff contract termination packages. The need to take decisions in July 2010 concerning
reductions in staffing became unavoidable given the income expectations for 2011.
A surplus of CHF 1 . 1 million was reported principally because that expenditure was CHF
2.2 million below the revised budget. In particular, direct programme costs were CHF 1.5
million under plan. The reasons for the variance and implications for planning would be
discussed in the finance committee. As a result of the reduced expenditure, programme
balances carried forward to 201 1 were CHF 1.3 million higher than planned.
The preliminary results reported general reserves at CHF 7.4 million, CHF 0.8 million
below the general reserve target of 50% of annual staff costs. In February 2010, the
project for renovation of the bam building at Bossey and creation of a conference hall was
approved at a limit of CHF 6.5 million to be funded by mortgage loans to a limit of CHF
6.3 million. At 31 December 2010, given its positive cash flow during the year, WCC was
able to fund CHF 1.9 million of the building works without recourse to borrowing. When
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 39
bank loans are taken up in 201 1, WCC’s investment of its own funds at Bossey will be
released and the general reserves will increase accordingly.
10.1.4 Budget 2011
Contributions income for 2011, excluding IEPC and assembly, was budgeted at CHF 22.9
million, being CHF 3.2 million, or 12%, lower than in the preliminary report 2010. This
will be the largest annual decrease in contributions income suffered over the last ten years.
In September 2010, prior to confirmation of contributions by the funding partners,
executive committee considered a deficit draft budget which required a charge of CHF 0.7
million to general reserves. The budget was referred for further review, with the limit for
the deficit budget set at a maximum of CHF 0.4 million. This draft budget included
programme cost reductions of CHF 1.9 million compared with budget 2010.
Since September there were three main developments. Firstly, there was continued
pressure on the value of foreign currencies, with an unfavourable impact of CHF 0.6
million on contributions income. Secondly, some funding partners were obliged to
confirm contributions at a level CHF 1.2 million lower than had been anticipated. Finally,
and as a compensating factor, following under-expenditure in 2010 compared to budget,
the programme fund balances brought forward and available for expenditure in 201 1 were
CHF 1.3 million higher than planned in September.
Programme fund balances are now planned to reduce by CHF 1.8 million, from CHF 4.7
million to CHF 2.9 million, in 201 1. On closing 201 1 the programme fund balances will
then consist of Mission and Evangelism reserves of CHF 1.3 million, CHF 0.7 million
Bossey scholarships funds, CHF 0.4 million general scholarships funds, CHF 0.3 million
Poverty, Wealth and Ecology project and CHF 0.2 million all others.
The draft budget includes IEPC at a reduced total cost of CHF 1 .4 million to match
expected income. It is expected that the conference centre project at Bossey will be
completed in the summer this year. The budget therefore includes expected income and
costs for the new hospitality services in the second half of the year. Finance committee
would consider a budget for 20 1 1 which was now close to the required target.
10.1.5 Framework budgets 2012-2013
In the draft budget 2011 programme expenditure was covered not only by current year
income but also by CHF 1 . 1 million of programme fund balances and by the exceptional
use of general reserves for CHF 0.5 million. Neither of these sources of funding was
planned to be available in 2012.
Consequently, if programme contributions remain stable at CHF 1 8 million, the level
included in the draft budget 201 1, a CHF 1.6 million reduction in expenditure would be
required in 2012.
The framework for 2012 assumed total income of CHF 33.5 million including CHF 3.0
million for the assembly reserve and CHF 7.7 million of other income including CHF 2.5
million to be generated from the hospitality services at Bossey. At the end of 2012, the
assembly reserve was estimated at CHF 4.3 million.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 40
10.1.6 Income trends and challenges
The finance sub-committee’s remark in February 2010 that “there are strong indicators
that the WCC will be facing a critical moment in its programme and financial planning for
2011 to 2013” was confirmed. The pattern of declining income was not inevitable, but
reversing this trend requires comprehensive policy decisions which would be addressed
during this meeting.
While the number of member churches contributing in 2010 has increased by 53, from
177 to 230, the fact remined that 148 (64%) of the contributing member churches pay
CHF 3,500 or less, barely equal to the travel and accommodation costs for one participant
at a central committee meeting. The value of annual membership contributions has
decreased by CHF 1.3 million (21%) when comparing 2004 with 2010, and further
reductions were projected for 201 1 and 2012.
Programme contributions show the same negative trend, with dramatic consequences
because this represents such an important part of the total income. Setting aside
contributions for particular events such as assembly or IEPC, programme contributions
decreased by more than one third, when 201 1 ’s budget is compared with 2004. WCC
works with CHF 9.3 million less in programme contributions this year than in 2004.
The moderator of the finance committee then posed several questions for the central
committee to consider: Why has this negative trend of reduced financial commitment
become such a constant issue for the WCC? Do the churches and specialized ministries no
longer identify themselves with the ecumenical movement in general and with the WCC
in particular? Do they not see their concerns genuinely represented by the agenda of the
council? Do they even have sufficient awareness of the council’s agenda? Has the WCC
become too preoccupied with maintaining its traditional programmes rather than listening
to the actual concerns of its member churches - and has central committee failed to
interpret these needs and expectations to the council by giving the required guidance and
direction? It was hoped that these urgent questions would receive some response during
the meeting.
He stated that in his country, the WCC is regarded as the privileged instrument of the
churches worldwide. He went on to say that it is through the WCC that the churches can
express, share and publicly explain their concerns and struggles, and also determine
jointly their response and course of action. But far too many of those in Denmark
complain that they never hear about the churches’ concerns and struggles from the WCC.
They expect with good reason rapid, focused political advocacy for those suffering
oppression on grounds of race, religion or gender. And they cannot understand that the
WCC as a worldwide fellowship of churches seems to remain silent when religious
harassment takes place in so many parts of the world. There is a feeling in his own
country that there should be not only prayers and letters of solidarity, but visible actions
taken in the political world and a common voice, especially in the mass media.
He then urged the central committee meeting to give guidance to the council in
accordance with their constituencies’ wishes and expectations. He stated that this was
only in this way that the WCC would regain its importance to all of us, and when it does,
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 41
churches and specialized ministries would find it essential to increase their contributions
to this prime instrument of church cooperation in the world.
10.1.7 Other matters
In its meeting, the finance committee would also be called upon to consider:
• capital expenditure plans 20 1 1 -20 1 4
• a progress report on the conference centre development at Bossey
• developments in the financial situation of the WCC pension fund
10.1.8 Discussion
Members of the central committee offered questions and comments on the preliminary
finance report, and urged the finance committee to look carefully at the issues raised in the
report. The central committee then received the report with appreciation and forwarded it
to the finance committee for further consideration.
10.2 Finance committee report - narrative
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a decision session and invited the
central committee to join together in prayer at the beginning of the decision-making phase
of the meetings.
Dean Anders Gadegaard presented the following narrative report from the finance
committee:
10.2.1 Financial statements 2009
The finance committee received a brief presentation from the auditors,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, on the report for the financial year 2009, the audit process and
the assessment of the internal control system, which was found to be satisfactory.
In 2009 the council reported total income of CHF 36.3 million and total expenses of CHF
36.6 million. The consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for
issue by the officers of the finance committee on 30 April 2010.
10.2.2 Financial results 2010
A report on the preliminary results 2010 was presented with total income of CHF 32.3
million, being CHF 4 million less than 2009. As a result of programme expenditure falling
CHF 1.5 million below revised budget, an increase to funds and reserves was reported,
including an increase to unrestricted funds of CHF 0.7 million. The preliminary results
show general reserves at CHF 7.4 million, or CHF 0.8 million under the target of 50% of
staff costs for the year concerned. Programme fund balances closed CHF 1.3 million
higher than budgeted.
10.2.3 Cost-share model for related organisations’ use of office space
A cost-share model had been documented and discussed with the related organisations.
The general secretary had met other general secretaries in the Ecumenical Centre to
discuss its implementation. Standard rental agreements are currently under review by the
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 42
related organisations on the understanding that they are to be finalized and signed, to
allow a rental increase on a fair cost-share basis to be introduced from January 2012. The
committee expressed support for this approach.
The committee discussed the approach adopted in renting office space to commercial
tenants as well as to related organisations. It was considered that effort should be made to
improve rental income from the Ecumenical Centre.
10.2.4 Report of the governance review continuation group
The committee’s discussion of the report of the governance review continuation group
focused on four issues. Firstly, the specific strategic role of the central committee was
emphasized, in relation to the level of governance responsibilities which could be
accorded to executive committee.
Secondly, there was discussion of the degree of delegation of financial responsibilities in
particular, and agreement on the fact that a very large proportion of financial
responsibilities could be more effectively exercised by executive committee, including
monitoring of financial results and budgets. In this scenario, executive committee should
also be required to report formally to central committee, particularly on financial matters
relevant to programmatic and strategic prioritisations.
Thirdly, the number of members and the frequency of meetings were discussed, with
emphasis on the possible financial savings which might be realised in favour of
programme work. It was clarified that in 20 1 1 , governance costs are budgeted at CHF
686,000 for central committee, executive committee and officers’ meetings. Governance
costs are charged to unrestricted funds. In 201 1, governance costs represent 14% of
unrestricted income, this being the income stream used to cover important programmes
and projects such as Faith and Order, church relations, and communications, which do not
attract sufficient restricted contributions from funding partners. It was agreed
unanimously that savings on governance expenditure are required.
Finally, the committee discussed the importance of its relationship with ACT Alliance,
referring in particular to the importance of close collaboration in order to address the
priorities of eradication of poverty, the campaign against hunger and the commitment to
justice in economic relations, as expressed in paragraph 9 of the moderator’s address.
In light of the discussion, the finance committee forwarded several suggestions to the
governance review group.
10.2.5 Budget 2011
The committee reviewed a draft budget for 2011 with total income of CHF 30.5 million,
total expenditure of CHF 32.9 million and a net reduction in funds and reserves of CHF
2.4 million (including a reduction in programme funds of CHF 1.8 million from CHF 4.7
million to CHF 2.9 million). The draft budget included a deficit on unrestricted funds of
CHF 0.4 million to be charged to general reserves thus not exceeding the maximum limit
set by executive committee in September 2010.
Since September 2010, budgeted programme contributions have been reduced by CHF 1.5
million, being CHF 1.2 million in real reductions and CHF 0.3 adjustment for the
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 43
expected impact of lower foreign exchange rates. Programme fund balances brought
forward from 2010 are CHF 1.3 million higher than formerly estimated, offsetting the
impact of the late income adjustments.
The budget includes IEPC costs of CHF 1 .4 million reduced slightly since September to
match expected income.
The finance committee observed that the programme for interreligious dialogue suffered a
severe reduction of 42% in its budget compared to 20 1 0 as a result of the staffing
situation. The committee considered that this reduction was disproportionate given the
priority of the work and expects that this will be corrected in 2012.
10.2.6 Framework 2012-2013
While the budget 201 1 benefits from use of CHF 1 .8 million in programme fund balances
and a draw on general reserves of CHF 0.4 million, neither of these sources of funding is
planned to be available in 2012.
The schedule reviewed by the committee projected programme contributions at CHF 18
million, being the same level as that budgeted for 201 1. In this scenario it had been
calculated that programme costs would have to be reduced by CHF 1.6 million compared
to budget 2011.
The moderator emphasised that the scenario was based on a stable level of income in
contrast with the trends discussed.
The finance committee regretted that it was not possible to share this information with the
programme committee at this stage given the short time assigned for the committee work.
Prioritisation of programme work is needed in order to allow the preparation of a draft
budget which would be required by May 2011.
10.2.7 Income development
A representative of the fundraising advisory group joined the meeting to share the group’s
recommendations. Its report and recommendations are attached as an appendix.
The committee heard a presentation on the implementation of the income development
strategy 2011-2013 approved in September 2010 and received the requested analysis of
membership contributions. The report highlighted the fact that member churches
contribute to the WCC in more ways than only through their membership contributions.
Some churches participate directly with contributions to programmes. In addition a trend
for increasing contributions in-kind where member churches participate in offering
hospitality has been observed.
It was noted that communication of WCC’ s work is vital to the fundraising effort together
with the awareness that programmes must be understood as relevant to local
congregations. Regional networks need to be developed in a systematic way so that
churches can work together participating actively in WCC programmes.
It was recognized with gratitude that the specialized ministries have remained committed
to ecumenical partnership with the WCC despite the financial difficulties experienced by
them directly.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 44
10.2.8 Capital expenditure and treasury
Capital expenditure 2010 totalled CHF 1.3 million, CHF 1.1 million less than the
approved limit of CHF 2.4 million. The under-expenditure concerned principally CHF 0.8
million for the Bossey conference centre, where work originally scheduled for 2010 is
now planned to take place in 20 1 1 .
Capital expenditure plans for 201 1 were presented, totalling CHF 5.5 million. The plans
included CHF 4.8 million for the Bossey conference centre, bringing total expenditure
over 2009-201 1 to the limit of CHF 6.6 million. In addition to the annual planning for
maintenance and replacement of equipment at the Ecumenical Centre, 201 l’s plans
included CHF 0.2 million for work on the entrance ways and main reception hall,
including flooring in the central corridors.
The planning schedule indicated capital expenditure at relatively low levels in 20 1 2 to
2014.
It was reported that the residential building would reach the end of the period of its status
as moderately priced rental accommodation in 2014. A strategy would be required to
manage the transition.
A schedule was reviewed presenting the expected levels of general reserves 2011-2014,
taking into account capital expenditure plans, new loans and loan reimbursements, the
201 1 budgeted deficit, and small credits to unrestricted funds in future years. In the
financial model, general reserves would exceed the target of 50% of annual staff costs in
2011 if the maximum loan limit of CHF 6.3 million for the Bossey conference facilities
was utilised.
10.2.9 Investment policy
A report on WCC’s investments was received. It was confirmed that CHF 9.3 million
remains held in CHF deposits and short-term treasury bonds, respecting the investment
objective of capital preservation. CHF 6 million is held in a balanced investment portfolio,
with 40% allocation to equity investment funds. Modest returns of 1.35% were reported
for 2010.
A draft revision to the statement of ethical guidelines was distributed. There was
insufficient time to study the policy.
10.2.10 10th Assembly
The financial profile for the 1 0 Assembly was reviewed. The committee discussed the
estimated figure of CHF 3.5 million to be raised from an additional annual contribution
from the member churches. Some members expressed concern that this additional
financial request is made rather than being included in the calculation of the annual
membership contribution over seven years. Other members accepted that the additional
request was a traditional practice. It was agreed that it would be preferable to add the
additional one-seventh contribution to the annual contribution provided that changing to
that method would not result in reduced contributions overall.
Several members expressed concern that they had not received the letter requesting the
additional contribution to the assembly fund.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 45
10.2.11 Progress report on the conference centre at Bossey
The committee heard a report on the progress of the building work on the bam renovation
and conference hall development at Bossey which had been approved by the executive
committee in February 2010. The capital expenditure limit for the project is CHF 6.6
million to be funded by a maximum limit of CHF 6.3 million in mortgage loans.
The renovation of the bam was well under way and the work on the new conference hall
had been started. The construction work is expected to be completed in summer 2011.
The process for approving contracts was described, including their submission to the
officers of the finance committee.
Fundraising initiatives had been launched with a target of CHF 1 million. The finance
committee expressed concern that there were no significant contributions to date.
10.2.12 Report on the meeting with representatives of the pension fund board
A brief report of the meeting held on 16 February 201 1 between members of the finance
committee and representatives of the pension fund board was reviewed. While results for
2010 are not yet finalised, the finance committee estimates that coverage will have
dropped to about 80%, representing a deficit of approximately CHF 20 million. The
pension fund board representatives reported that a process for determining the future
strategy was now in progress; proposals for solutions will be presented to the executive
committee in September 2011.
Members of the finance committee expressed their deep concern for the level of the
deficit, recognizing that this presented a severe financial challenge to the pension fund
board.
10.2.13 Issues raised in prior meetings
A report listing the actions taken with regard to recommendations raised by finance
committee in September 2009 and by the finance sub-committee since then was reviewed.
All issues had either been resolved, or were addressed during the agenda of this meeting.
10.2.14 Appendix - Report of the Fundraising Advisory Group
The fundraising advisory group was established by the 2009 central committee to
accompany the income development efforts of IMD staff in light of the current difficult
financial situation. Despite income reductions, the group was inspired by positive results
and new creative approaches.
This third meeting allowed an opportunity to review the progress that has been made on
the WCC Income Development Strategy 2011-2013 since the last meeting. It received the
Progress Report on Income Development Strategy with appreciation for staff efforts and
achievements. In particular the new approach to membership contributions was very
encouraging, as it has raised the number of contributing churches by 35% from 177 to 230
within a year. The level of contributing churches among central committee members even
increased from 77 % to 95%. The key to this success was personal communication by
staff and active support through many central committee members in their regions.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 46
In order to further relationships and giving, central committee members are strongly
encouraged to participate in this effort in close cooperation with IMD staff members.
Together with the communications committee the group discussed and affirmed upcoming
fundraising opportunities and initiatives with Korean partners and from individual and
congregational donors especially in relation to the upcoming assembly, in particular the
use of new technologies and media including an enhanced web presence and online
approach.
The fundraising advisory group recommended to the finance committee that it be made a
committee of the central committee:
• to continuously monitor and affirm income development;
• to engage members of the governing bodies in fundraising initiatives with a
systematic outreach to the member churches;
• to support the enhancement of staff resources;
• to engage members of governing bodies in fundraising initiatives such as
individual giving and foundations; and
• to further the stewardship campaign for membership by:
• building on the successes of 2010 with an emphasis on outreach and continued
relationship building;
• initiating a special dialogue with the 30 churches paying less than 10% of their
suggested contributions;
• exploring possibilities for expanded financial reporting including in-kind
contributions, to make more visible the holistic nature and extent of member
church financial support;
• reporting on membership contributions in such a way as to demonstrate the
influence of fluctuating exchange rates; and
• support efforts for reengaging churches classified as non-active and/or
developing a way to clarify the status of a significant number of inactive member
churches.
10.3 Finance committee report - action on recommendations
The central committee approved by consensus the appointment of Ms Outi Vasko as an
officer of the finance committee, replacing Rev. Carmen Lansdowne who has shifted to
the audit committee.
Upon recommendation of the finance committee, and in light of the narrative report as
presented, the following were approved by consensus:
• to adopt the 2009 financial statements;
• to require that if the final results of 20 1 0 record an increase to unrestricted funds
above the budget of CHF 0.5 million, the excess be credited to general reserves;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 47
• to delegate to the officers of the finance committee the authority to approve the
financial statements 2010 and authorise them for issue;
• to require that a policy for rental of office space and facilities in the Ecumenical
Centre be developed, for review at the next executive committee meeting;
• to approve the proposed budget 2011;
• to adopt the framework 20 1 2-20 1 3 recognising that it is urgent that there be clear
prioritisation in decisions affecting planning for 2012;
• to consider developing a role description for central committee members which
would include the requirement to maintain contact with member churches,
encourage participation through membership contributions and other means, and
to provide written reports on activities to IMD staff;
• to request that the fundraising advisory group consider what improvements might
be made to the present membership contributions scheme, reporting back to the
finance committee in September 2012;
• to approve the capital expenditure limit of CHF 5.5 million for 2011;
• to require that a study be conducted to present options for investment in the
Ecumenical Centre to increase its capacity to generate rental income and improve
its ecological profile;
• to require that if the general reserves exceed the limit of 50% of annual staff
costs that the loan draw-downs be reduced accordingly;
• to require that revision to the statement of ethical investment guidelines be
presented for review at the next executive committee meeting.
After discussion, the central committee approved by consensus to request the executive
committee to consider the role and reporting mechanisms of the fundraising advisory
group and to make a recommendation to the central committee in 2012.
1 1 Governance
11.1 Final report of the governance review continuation group
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session and invited Ms Arja Birgitta
Rantakari, moderator of the governance review continuation group, to make the first
presentation of the group’s final report and recommendations (see Appendix III). She
presented the background of the report and stated that this central committee was being
asked:
• to agree - or change - the key ‘pillars’ or principles of the report;
• to begin a process to embody those principles in the Constitution and in the
Rules; and
• to begin a process to consider how implementation would happen at and after the
assembly.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 48
Ms Rantakari then invited Bishop Taranath S. Sagar to continue the presentation of the
report by drawing out the key principles behind the proposals. Ms Rantakari concluded
the report with a summary of the process to be undertaken during this central committee
meeting in preparation for decisions on the group's recommendations.
The central committee then offered initial reactions to the report and its recommendations.
11.2 Plenary discussions on governance
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session. Bishop
Taranath S. Sagar introduced the two sessions dedicated to discernment and reflection on
the recommendations of the governance review continuation group.
Rev. Dr Clifton Kirkpatrick began the discussion on the first day with comments on the
consultative process undertaken by the governance group, the ecclesial landscape as they
have observed it, and the major theological tenets undergirding the process. Dr David
Goodboum then shared responses to the questions and concerns raised during the first
presentation of the governance group’s report, particularly regarding the proposed role of
the central committee and the impact on participation, representation and balances. Justice
Sophia Adinyira concluded the first day’s presentations with some comments on the value
of participation in a smaller central committee and the principle of rotation for the
executive committee.
Members of the central committee then engaged in table conversation and plenary
discussion.
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated the next hearing session on governance. Rev. Dr
Clifton Kirkpatrick shared five central themes which the governance group discerned in
the comments arising from the previous day’s hearing on governance, namely:
• role of central committee for ecumenical leadership
• distribution of roles and powers between central committee and executive
committee
• size, frequency of meetings, name and financing of central committee
• the priority of the four historic streams of the ecumenical movement
• relationship of ACT Alliance to the central and executive committees.
Dr Kirkpatrick spoke briefly on each of these points and then invited the central
committee to deliberate and bring forward creative recommendations. He then led the
central committee in a prayer for God’s guidance.
After small-group discussion, Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul shared some reflections on the
lack of clarity on crucial governance roles which had led to the creation of the governance
review process. She noted progress that had already been made and spoke about some of
the key points underlying the present recommendations. Bishop Taranath S. Sagar then
spoke about the specific financial implications of the governance group’s
recommendations.
The central committee then engaged in further plenary discussion before closing with
prayer.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 49
11.3 Action regarding governance
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session and invited Archbishop Dr Joris
Vercammen and Mrs Paula Devejian to present the report and recommendations of the
governance review continuation group. Archbishop Vercammen noted that the
continuation group received and reflected upon input from all of the other committees.
The policy reference committee had welcomed the moderator’s reflection on the
governance review continuation group and expressed thanks to the group for their
extensive work on these important issues. However it urged careful consideration of
concerns raised by central committee members about this report as well as what is
expressed in the policy reference committee report.
The finance committee had forwarded the following suggestions to the governance review
group, requesting that group to:
• describe in more detail the strategic role and responsibilities of the central
committee, in particular clarifying its task in considering the ecclesial landscape,
political developments and defining priorities for strategic action; as a
consequence, the reason for the assignment of the majority of governance
responsibilities to executive committee will become clearer;
• consider assigning the responsibility for determining overall financial priorities
for programme work to the central committee, in coherence with its
responsibility to set the policies and strategies, while holding the executive
committee accountable for the implementation of the strategy, monitoring and
reporting to the central committee;
• take into account that if it is not acceptable to reduce both the number of
members and the frequency of meetings, that the preference of the finance
committee is to favour less frequent meetings, while maintaining the current
number of members; and
• take into account the unanimous preference of the finance committee to granting
formal representation to ACT Alliance in central committee and in executive
committee, and that in addition, terms of mutual accountability should be agreed.
In the programme committee opinion was tested on whether ACT Alliance and WCC
should be structurally bound together as proposed in the governance report or should
serve in each other’s governing bodies only as advisers/observers. By a margin of 4 to 1
the opinion was in favour of observer/adviser status only.
Archbishop Vercammen then introduced the process and timeline envisioned for carrying
the discussion forward. Mrs Devejian read the report and recommendations, which began
with an affirmation that the governance review is grounded in Article III of the
Constitution and on the Common Understanding and Vision.
After extensive discussion and amendment, the following points were approved by
consensus:
11.3.1 Affirmations
The central committee made the following affirmations:
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 50
a. that the WCC continue with a three-layer governance system, comprising assembly,
central committee and executive committee and that each of these bodies has specific
responsibilities for enabling the churches to live the fellowship and lead the
ecumenical movement and for good governance of the WCC;
b. that all of these bodies be composed so that the balances mandated by current policy
are honoured at each level of the council’s life and governing bodies and committees;
c. that the WCC continue with the current size of the central committee and the
executive committee; and
d. that as the central committee carries out the governance and ecumenical leadership of
the WCC, the cost of governance needs to be reconsidered and reduced if necessary
and/or more income generated for the organization to be sustainable and that we have
concrete financial breakdowns for future consideration.
11.3.2 Clarifications
The central committee offered the following clarifications as guidance for the
continuation group:
a. The assembly shall be the supreme legislative body governing the WCC in order to
carry out the council’s core calling as stated in the WCC Constitution. The assembly
shall elect president(s), elect the central committee, determine overall policies of the
WCC, review programmes, and delegate to the central committee specific functions.
b. The central committee is that governing body with responsibility and authority to
carry out the vision and policies of the assembly, and to promote on its behalf the
living fellowship of the churches and the coherence of the one ecumenical movement.
The central committee shall implement the policies of the assembly and exercise the
functions delegated to it by the assembly. The central committee shall delegate to the
executive committee certain specific governance functions for which the executive
committee shall be held accountable by the central committee. Its principal task is to
seek to discern the will of God for the churches together and for God’s world, and to
enable the various actors to carry out the will of God within the one ecumenical
movement.
c. The executive committee shall be entrusted with and accountable for specific
governance authority and responsibility of the WCC as delegated by the central
committee, including programmatic oversight, finance and personnel matters.
d. The assembly and the central committee each hold major responsibilities for living
the fellowship and giving leadership to the ecumenical movement. (Note: attached to
the report is an illustrative example of the kinds of agenda items that might be
included in a central committee meeting for deepening the capacity to carry out these
responsibilities.)
e. In addition, all three bodies have governance responsibilities. The governance
responsibilities for the three governing bodies would be divided as follows:
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 51
Assembly
Central Committee
Executive Committee
Determine and develop
Setting broad goals for the
World Council of
Churches
the strategies to deliver
the broad goals; and set
programme strategies and
goals, including financial
strategies
Ensure the
implementation of the
strategy
Elect president(s) of the
World Council of
Elect the moderator, vice¬
moderators and executive
Appoint leadership
staff
Churches
committee
Elect the central committee
Hold the executive
committee accountable
Oversee finance
Approve and amend the
constitution and rules
Elect the general secretary
Monitor resource
management
Determine overall policies
of the World Council of
Churches
Approve and amend
certain WCC Rules
Monitor programmes
Review programmes
Appoint commissions and
advisory groups and adopt
their by-laws
Establish personnel
policies
Delegate to the central
committee specific
functions
Decide membership
matters
The distinction between governance and management is defined as follows:
Governance Management
(responsibility of the Governing Bodies as led (responsibility of the General
by the Moderators) Secretary as the leader of the
work and the staff of the WCC)
Identity, vision and mission: identifying what
the organisation is and is for.
Turning the strategic plan into
objectives and activities
Strategy - setting and reviewing the broad
strategic goals.
Providing leadership, creativity
and drive to the life of the
organization
Accountability - holding the general secretary
accountable for the work of the staff, ensuring
accountability to the broader membership and
ensuring the activities remain true to the
Proposing, controlling and
monitoring the budget
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 52
defined self-understanding and ethos.
Resources - bringing together the human,
physical and financial resources the
organisation needs and ensuring they are
properly deployed.
Deploying the available
resources efficiently and
effectively
Compliance - ensuring that the organisation
behaves properly, obeys the law and follows
its own constitution and rules.
Communication both within the
organization and outside it
Management of risk - assessing the risks
(including financial risks) the organisation
faces and ensuring there are strategies in place
to handle them.
Fulfilling accountability to the
bodies responsible for
governance
Appointment and management of the
leadership staff according to the rules currently
in force.
Appointing and managing the
staff according to the rules
currently in force
11.3.3 Guidance
The central committee adopted the following understanding as guidance for the
continuation group:
a. That the role of the general secretary shall be as follows:
The general secretary shall lead the work of the WCC and shall speak on its behalf
The general secretary shall serve as the chief executive officer of the WCC, including
final responsibility for the work of the WCC and its staff, and for representing the
organization. The general secretary shall be accountable to the central committee for
the programmes, policies and strategic direction of the WCC, and to the executive
committee for managing the organizational side of the WCC.
The general secretary shall appoint or provide for the appointment of staff to conduct
the continuing operations of the WCC.
b. That the role of the officers shall be as follows:
The moderator shall have primary responsibility for assuring the coherence of the
work of the central committee and of the executive committee and for assuring that
the ethos of consensus characterizes all aspects of the governance of the WCC.
The moderator shall have primary responsibility for chairing sessions of the central
committee and of the executive committee, sharing this role with the vice-
moderator(s), and together they may delegate responsibility for moderating specific
sessions of the central committee and/or executive committee to one of the presidents
or to members of the central committee or executive committee with specific
expertise.
The moderator, vice-moderator(s) and general secretary together shall lead the
planning of the meetings of the central committee and the executive committee.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 55
Together they shall identify issues that belong to the central committee for
discernment and decision or further action, or belong to the executive committee.
They shall assure that sessions and committees of the central committee have
appropriate leadership and resources (information and time) to enter into the process
and ethos of consensus discernment, and that the sessions and committees of the
executive committee have sufficient resources and expertise to undertake all
responsibilities that have been delegated to the executive committee.
The moderator, vice-moderator(s) and session moderators shall encourage the
participants in meetings to challenge one another and the member churches to deepen
their fellowship, respect and mutual accountability, shall ensure that meetings foster
the common understanding and vision of the WCC, cultivate the ethos and facilitate
the process of consensus discernment, and help to foster coherence within the
ecumenical movement.
c. That the role of the presidents shall be as follows:
The presidents shall be members of the central committee.
In addition to their governance role as members of the central committee, the specific
role of the presidents is to promote the values of the ecumenical movement and to
advocate for and interpret the work of the WCC, especially in their respective regions
or ecclesial traditions, and to enhance the WCC contact with the leadership of the
churches in their region.
The central committee may invite the presidents to undertake certain tasks or
reflections and report back to the central committee.
d. That the three governing bodies meet on an eight year cycle as follows: the assembly
every eight years, the central committee every two years, and the executive
committee every six months, effective following the assembly in 2013.
11.3.4 Further work
The central committee appointed a “continuation committee” to continue the governance
review process. The mandate of this committee shall be to:
• Analyze committees and their relationships to the governing bodies and propose
any changes needed;
• Analyze commissions and other consultative bodies and their relationships to the
governing bodies and propose any changes needed;
• Bring proposals for the best way to relate the WCC to the ACT Alliance and
ecumenical partners, including how they participate in the meetings of the central
committee and its committees;
• Propose how the programme and commission work of the WCC can be better
integrated into the life of the central committee;
• Explore the feasibility of instituting a pattern of rotation in the membership of the
executive committee in order to broaden participation by members of the central
committee;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 54
• Further explore the nomination, election and role of the presidents. For instance
the nominations of the presidents might come from the regional ecumenical
organizations; the presidents’ role might also include encouraging active
participation through membership contributions and other means, and using their
influence to assist the WCC in fundraising;
• Look again to the formulation of 1 1.3. 3. a and 1 1.3.3.b above, where the role of
the moderator is further formulated in also representing the WCC and also
bearing the responsibility for the work of the WCC, and consider whether the
nomination and election of moderators and vice-moderators should be reviewed;
• Propose changes to the policies and practices that may be needed to implement
these actions;
• Propose amendments to the WCC Constitution and Rules that may be needed to
implement these actions;
• Consult with core constituencies as these items requiring further work are
developed; and
• Propose an appropriate consultative process, the implementation of which will be
overseen by the general secretary.
The central committee further approved:
• That we as central committee members commit ourselves to inform the
church(es) we represent about the results of the discussions made in the central
committee; and
• When new proposals are presented in the coming months, that we as central
committee members commit ourselves to participate in discussions in our
church(es), denominations, regions, confessional groups and with other partners
in the ecumenical movement with which we as central committee members may
be engaged or affiliated. The content of these consultations shall be reported back
to the WCC secretariat in a timely manner.
Several central committee members asked that the minutes reflect their hope that an
appropriate and well-defined role for the presidents be articulated to the next central
committee meeting.
Ms Kathryn Lohre asked that the minutes take note that she had offered suggestions of
logistical and administrative changes than can be made to meetings of the governing
bodies in order to reduce both cost and ecological impact.
In the discussion on the report of the finance committee, the central committee approved
by consensus to refer to the governance review continuation group the suggestion of the
finance committee that the presidents’ role as ambassadors be defined to include the
responsibility for strengthening the network of churches in their region, encouraging
active participation through membership contributions and other means and reporting
back on developments to central committee.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febmary 2011
page 55
1 2 Permanent committee on consensus and collaboration
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session and invited Archbishop Bernard
Ntahoturi to present the report of the July 2010 meeting of the of the permanent
committee on consensus and collaboration (see Appendix IV). It was noted that the
meeting had taken place some months ago, that the report had already been received and
acted upon by the executive committee, and that the recommendations had already been
incorporated into the relevant processes within the council. After discussion, the central
committee approved by consensus to receive the report with appreciation.
13 Membership matters
13.1 Introduction of membership matters
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session and invited Rev. Dr Olav Fykse
Tveit to present the recommendations of the executive committee regarding membership
matters. The central committee received the recommendations and referred them to the
policy reference committee for further consideration. Members asked that the policy
reference committee provide some guidance on the application of Rule I.3.b.3 “An
applicant church must ordinarily have at least fifty thousand members. The central
committee, for exceptional reasons, may dispense with this requirement and accept a
church that does not fulfil the criteria of size.”
13.2 Action on membership matters
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session and invited the policy reference
committee to present its recommendations regarding membership matters.
Ms Alison Jane Preston presented the committee’s narrative report, as follows:
The policy reference committee reviewed the report on membership matters and
discussed the executive committee recommendation.
The committee took note of the “exceptional reasons” offered by the executive
committee for accepting the application for the membership of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, i.e.
• The church is one with a strong ecumenical commitment.
• The church has a long-standing relationship with the WCC.
• The church plays an active role in a major programmatic area or regional concern
of the WCC (from the minutes of the executive committee, February 2011).
The committee also took note of the executive committee’s interest to further expand
on the criteria for accepting this application for membership under exceptional
reasons, which concern the size of the church.
Upon recommendation of the policy reference committee, the central committee approved
by consensus:
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 56
• to accept the application for membership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Jordan and the Holy Land, according to WCC Rules:
“ The central committee shall consider applications for membership according to
the consensus model of decision making. The application shall be accepted for a
specified interim period of participation in the work of the World Council of
Churches and for interaction with the local fellowship of member churches. The
member churches of the World Council of Churches shall be consulted during
the interim period. The central committee shall assess whether a consensus of
member churches has developed in favour of the application, in which event the
applicant church shall be considered a new member church. If there is no
consensus, the central committee shall deem the application rejected. ” WCC
Rule 1.5.
• to establish an “interim period of participation in the work of the World Council
of Churches and for interaction with the local fellowship of member churches” of
18 months, so that at the meeting of the central committee in September 2012, a
final decision can be made.
Central committee members asked that, in future, all applications for membership be
presented to the central committee for information, as required in the Rules.
14 Nominations
14.1 Nominations to governing and consultative bodies
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session and invited Rev. Dr Olav Fykse
Tveit to present the recommendations of the executive committee regarding nominations
to governing and consultative bodies. The central committee forwarded items 1 -8 on the
paper to the nominations committee for further consideration, and held item 9 until a later
point in the agenda. It was noted with concern that there were several cases in which a
woman is being replaced by a man, and the nominations committee was asked to take this
into consideration.
14.2 Action on nominations to governing and consultative bodies
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a closed decision session
and invited the nominations committee to present its report and recommendations. Bishop
Samuel Robert Azariah, Dr Evelyn Parker and Rev. Aaro Rytkonen presented the
committee’s work. They noted that the mandate of the proposed governance continuation
committee would be presented by the governance group (see minute 1 1.3.4), whereas the
nominations committee was only tasked to bring names of those to serve.
Upon recommendation of the nominations committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
a. Central Committee
• that the Rt Rev. Dr Peter Forster (Church of England) replace the Rt Rev.
Thomas Butler
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 57
• that Rev. Dr Geoffrey Black (United Church of Christ, USA) replace Rev. Dr
John Thomas
• that Rev. Lala Rasendrahasina (Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar, FJKM)
replace the late Madame Vaoalimanga Suzette Razanadrakoto
• that Archbishop Anders Wejryd (Church of Sweden) replace Ms Margareta
Grape
• that Rev. Alexander Vasyutin (Russian Orthodox Church, Moscow Patriarchate)
replace Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov
• that Rev. Dimitry Sizonenko (Russian Orthodox Church, Moscow Patriarchate)
replace Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin
b. Executive Committee
• that Archbishop Anders Wejryd (Church of Sweden) replace Ms Margareta
Grape
c. Permanent Committee on Consensus and Collaboration
• that Archpriest Mikhail Gundyaev (Russian Orthodox Church, Moscow
Patriarchate) replace H.E. Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk
d. Commission on World Mission and Evangelism
• that Dr Rob Hay (World Evangelical Alliance) replace Dr Rose Dowsett
e. Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA)
• that Rev. Dr T. DeWitt Smith, Jr. (Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.)
replace Dr Major Lewis Jemison
• that Mr Roel Aalbersberg (Protestant Church in the Netherlands) replace Ms
Jeanne Charlotte Venema
f. Faith and Order Standing Commission
• that Rev. Dr Glenroy Lalor (Jamaican Baptist Church) replace Dr Neville Callum
g. Joint Consultative Group between the WCC and Pentecostals
• that Rev. Marjut Haapakangas (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland) replace
Rev. Tuija Mannstrom
• that Dr Konstantinos Kenanidis (Ecumenical Patriarchate) replace Mother
Superior Theoxeni
h. Assembly Planning Committee
• that Mr Jorgen Thomsen (DanChurchAid) replace Ms Kirsten Lund Larsen
i. Continuation Committee (governance review)
• that the following persons be appointed to the governance continuation
committee:
i. Mr Roel Aalbersberg (Interchurch Organization for Development
Cooperation, ICCO)
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 58
ii. Justice Sophia O.A. Adinyira, CC member (Church of the Province of West
Africa)
iii. Ms Christina Biere, CC member (Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland EKD)
iv. Mrs Paula Devejian, CC member (Armenian Apostolic Church, Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin)
v. Rev. Carlos Duarte Voelker, CC member (Iglesia Evangelica del Rio de la
Plata)
vi. Dr David Robin Goodboum, CC member (Baptist Union of Great Britain)
vii. Ms Carmencita Karagdag, CC member (Iglesia Filipina Independiente)
viii. Mrs Anne Glynn Mackoul, CC member (Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of
Antioch and All the East)
ix. Mr Itayi Ndudzo, CC member (Methodist Church in Zimbabwe)
x. Dr Audeh B. Quawas, CC member (Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of
Jerusalem)
xi. Mrs Arja Birgitta Rantakari (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland)
xii. Bishop Taranath S. Sagar, CC member (Methodist Church in India)
xiii. Bishop John Franklin White (African Methodist Episcopal Church)
Rev. Motoe Yamada wished the minutes to reflect her disappointment that there were no
ordained women on the governance continuation committee.
Dr Soritua Albert Ernst Nababan wished the minutes to reflect his disappointment that
there were no members from Russia or China on the governance continuation committee.
j. Regarding gender balance
• to recognize those churches who have been working towards gender balances
even in the midst of challenging circumstances and to request all member
churches to work towards the same, reminding them of the decision of the central
committee in 2009 “that, in the event of a vacancy, the churches submitting
changes in the membership of governing and consultative bodies include a
rationale when balances are not met”.
15 Programme
15.1 Report of the programme committee core group
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks -Ririmasse moderated a hearing session and invited Dr
David Goodboum to present the report as acting moderator of the programme committee.
Dr Goodboum began by informing the central committee that Ms Lois McCullough
Dauway suffered a stroke during the September 20 1 0 meeting of the executive committee.
Rev. John McCullough, Ms Dauway’s brother, shared that she was recovering well and
had asked John to share the following words: “I send you my fondest greetings and in
time I look forward to seeing you all.” Dr Goodboum asked Mr McCullough to take the
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 59
committee’s greeting back to her, and then led the committee in prayer for God’s hand of
healing over her.
Dr Goodboum then presented the report of the programme committee core group, which
met prior to this meeting to prepare for the work of the programme committee.
Fr Heikki Huttunen and Ms Christina Biere shared how the programme of the council had
responded to the 2009 central committee reflections, and how the programme committee
had been prepared for this meeting. They then noted seven cross-programmatic themes
around which it was felt that programme committee could offer helpful input, being:
• the engagement of the churches in programme work
• the cross-cutting strategy for World Council of Churches engagement with young
adults
• engagement with constituencies outside the membership
• the focus on the Middle East
• churches in minority situations
• eco-justice
• the role of the World Council of Churches in interreligious dialogue.
Three additional matters were explicitly referred to the programme committee by the
executive committee and commissions, namely:
• a progress report on the ETE transition process
• the relationship of ACT to the World Council of Churches
• strengthening the diaconal work of churches, particularly in Africa.
These ten items would therefore form the agenda of the programme committee for these
sessions. Members of the central committee offered comments and reflections, and looked
forward to hearing the results of the programme committee discernment.
15.2 Programme committee report - narrative
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a decision session and
invited Dr David Goodboum to present the narrative report of the programme committee,
as follows:
15.2.1 Role and work of the programme committee
The committee recalled the history of its discussions, and affirmed a self-understanding
that its concern is with governance, not management. It wants to be assured that the
programme work is well managed, but has neither the knowledge nor the capacity to
engage in detailed management questions.
Its task is to hold the programmatic activities to account through appropriate reporting and
to develop proposals for enriching the work, for determining priorities and for shaping
broad strategic direction.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 60 .
The committee noted the danger that each time it met it added recommendations to an
already heavy workload on a diminishing staff. On this occasion it sought to discuss ways
to enhance the programmes and give them direction rather than to add projects, though
even this put additional pressure on staff.
The committee wished to affirm the continuing significance of the four historic streams
while seeking ways to integrate them and their work more fully, both with each other and
with the wider programme work. It noted the growing emphasis on theological and
spiritual reflection, and acknowledged that the unique contribution of the WCC was often
to be found in these areas. It was therefore uneasy about the handling of commission
reports, to which it was unable to do justice. Another method needed to be found of
managing them on behalf of central committee.
15.2.2 Reporting format
The committee affirmed the report of its core group on the effectiveness of the reporting
template, and accepted its proposals for further development.
Consequently, it agreed that the “highlights” section be restructured, so that the following
could be more clearly seen.
• What the impact of the programme has been, and how it has been measured, and
to this end it asked the staff to initiate a process considering the most effective
form of impact measurement, noting that long-term as well as short-term impact
is important, and to report back to the core group, who would in turn report their
recommendations to the programme committee.
• How far this was work that reflected the unique role of the WCC, rather than
work it was simply desirable someone should do.
• How the churches were involved, including how many and in what regions.
• What work has ceased, and what work has been wholly or partially devolved to
self-sustaining networks or organizations.
It also agreed that the “priorities” section be reshaped to allow priorities to be justified in
other than financial terms.
15.2.3 General recommendations
The committee was concerned about the difficulties of making resources and events
available in the languages of the people. Translation was increasingly confined to the
official languages, and seminars to those who could speak in English. It was recognized
that the WCC did not have the resources to correct this alone, so the committee expressed
the hope that in partnership with regional and local churches and councils of churches,
and making use of electronic publishing where paper publishing was ruled out by cost,
more could be achieved.
The programme committee requested that a report on the impact of the DOV and what
may be learnt from it and its methodologies for wider programme work, be brought to the
programme committee at the next meeting in September 2012.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 61
15.2.4 Governance
The committee discussed the implications of the governance report for programme
management and strategy. It was concerned that, wherever monitoring of programme
work eventually resided, the broad strategy should remain a responsibility of central
committee. Opinion differed on how this should be done, whether through a programme
committee or on the floor of central committee itself. A further recommendation was sen
to the governance group.
15.2.5 Working style
The committee worked in sub-groups on the programme areas as suggested by the core
group. Two additional groups were added, one to look at migration and one the proposed
document on Christian witness in a multi-religious world. The central committee member
were allocated evenly to these sub-groups. The advisers attended them according to their
expertise.
Later reflection suggested that the random allocation of committee members to sub¬
groups had been problematic. If the method was to be used again, members would need
advance notice so they could identify and study the relevant elements from the vast
amount of documentation received. The core group was asked to think further about the
method.
15.2.6 Programmatic areas/issues - reports from the sub-groups
The committee noted that, although its stands behind the recommendations from the sub¬
groups listed below, time to discuss them was limited. Elements of the reports other than
the recommendations were not always fully discussed in committee, nor was the final
version of this report.
The programme committee received proposals from the sub-groups and forwards them to
the general secretary as follows:
a. The engagement of the churches in programme work
The WCC should act as a broker to bring together the experience and expertise of
churches “on the ground” in the full range of ministries, issues and contexts and match
them with the needs of other churches who would benefit from this.
WCC member churches should be able to extend this possibility of exchanging
experiences and expertise to non-member churches with whom they are engaged on the
local level in NCCs and regions.
b. The cross-cutting strategy for WCC engagement with young adults
The programme committee underlines the importance of developing a strategy for main-
streaming youth involvement in all WCC programmes and activities. A commitment to
ecumenical formation needs always to be renewed as a priority in all areas of WCC life
and programmes. It is also essential to make use of other ecumenical youth organizations
and the youth involvement in the member churches.
c. Engagement with constituencies outside the membership
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 20 F
page 6,
As a privileged instrument of the entire ecumenical movement the WCC needs to
strengthen the instruments for dialogue with constituencies outside its membership.
Appreciation was expressed for the initiative of the executive committee in appointing an
ad hoc group to consider membership in the context of the growing desire of Pentecostal
groupings to become involved. Although the programme committee acknowledges that
membership issues are not part of its mandate, discussion highlighted the need to develop
a broad and strategic policy on membership in WCC to be developed. This was
considered important given the fact that in several respects and in different contexts
cooperation between member churches and non-member churches increases the impact of
the WCC programmatic work.
d. The focus on the Middle East
The work of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel was
commended. The diversity of participants in it needs to be broadened.
Staff, in conjunction with the appropriate churches, should study the possibility of using
the same method in other conflicts, including the possibility of interreligious
accompaniment programmes where conflicts have an interreligious nature.
Priority should be given to raising consciousness in member churches of the situation in
the Middle East and of the Christian presence in the region, and this should inform the
significance of developing the Christian-Jewish and the Christian-Muslim dialogue in the
WCC.
e. Eco-justice
The programme committee reflected that even though many organizations other than
WCC do work for eco-justice, the WCC should encourage its member churches to become
more involved in the work for eco-justice. WCC, as a fellowship of churches, should
continue this programme, with continuous theological reflection as the foundation of the
action. Also ethical and spiritual aspects need to be an essential part of this reflection.
The role of the WCC is to convene the churches and other institutions in the world to
enable a common voice in order to achieve greater cooperation and coherence with other
ecumenical institutions. One of the ways to do this is to continue the mapping of the eco-
justice actors as in the project on diakonia. Eco-justice is a cross cutting issue with
implications in all WCC work, in particular interreligious dialogue, women and youth.
The position of women in the eco-justice work should be considered not only from the
perspective of “victimhood” but from the perspective of being an agent of change.
The “living letters” programme in the area of climate change should be continued, since
the encounter, report and voices of the living letters delegations are a key method of
fostering mutual accountability among the churches and challenging them to respond.
f. Migration
The committee was asked, in response to the CCIA report, whether the work on migration
^should change its emphasis. The work in P204 should continue with its present focus on
the ecclesial implications of migration. Changing the focus is not advisable so close to the
next assembly.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 63
The committee judged that greater collaboration was needed between P 204 and the CCIA
working group on migration. The issues related to the rights and dignity of migrants and
migrant workers needed to be made more visible in the existing programme, though
without changing its basic focus.
The Assembly Planning Committee should consider the theme of migration as a cross¬
cutting issue in its work on programme content for the assembly.
g. Churches in minority situations
Every programme of the WCC should give substantial two-way reflection (both
theological and programmatic) to the experience of minority churches and look at the
questions:
• How does their experience affect the way the programme is envisioned?
• How is religious freedom achieved from the point of view of the minority?
• How does the programme look from their perspective?
The general secretary and staff should consider ways to bring out the voices of minority
Christians and in particular the most silenced, especially women, who are often major
victims in these situations, and raise them up to be heard.
The protection of Christians’ minority religious rights is increasingly necessary, not only
in reaction to crises, but proactively, e.g. the Christians of northern Sudan will soon be a
potentially threatened minority. WCC programmes that deal with minority churches at
risk must use the WCC’s communications to make their plight better known, including the
plight of non-member churches. The churches themselves must be urged to take up this
issue and to look for viable, creative approaches.
Following the living letters visit to Nigeria and messages that had been sent to the
Nigerian government by the WCC general secretary, the central committee members from
the churches in Nigeria have brought up the urgent plea for concrete actions to respond to
the recent crises in the northern region of Nigeria (Jos).
WCC programme staff should be alerted to the need to study in what ways the WCC can
monitor the situation of Christians in Turkey, alongside that in the other nations bordering
the Middle East, to which attention has already been given.
h. The role of the WCC in interreligious dialogue
The WCC has a special responsibility to support the involvement of the churches in
interreligious dialogue and act as facilitator. The WCC has a special responsibility to
analyze the role of power, wealth and survival in conflicts that may be labelled as
religious. The WCC should continue to give special attention to interreligious dialogue
among youth and women and to include their voices in wider discussions. While there is
particular urgency for dialogue among Jews, Christians and Muslims, dialogue must not
be limited to these but involve all the world religions.
i. Ecumenical Theological Education (ETE)
The programme committee received the ETE interim report with appreciation for the work
done and affirmed the direction of the transition process as presented. The programme
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 64
committee recommended that the ETE accompaniment group specify a working agenda
for ETE for the years 2012 and 2013 which focuses on a) a project-oriented collaboration
among all programmes in WCC and b) close collaboration among projects in P2. The
agenda should include suitable ways to spell out the educational dimension of current
WCC programmes. The programme committee urged WCC and its member churches to
explore a process by which a broader spectrum of churches and ecumenical partners will
support the work of ETE in the years to come and recommends the continuation of the
ETE programme work until the next WCC assembly in Busan and that this programme
find its appropriate place in the forthcoming assembly.
j. The relationship between WCC and ACT Alliance
The programme committee discussed the document “Cooperation between WCC and
ACT Alliance” and asked the general secretary to explore concrete forms of cooperation
between the ACT Alliance and WCC on advocacy. The general secretary was also
requested to explore concrete forms of cooperation in the area of supporting churches in
building up their diaconal capacity. Continuous cooperation and consultative meetings
between WCC and ACT Alliance should be organized regularly. ACT Alliance should be
encouraged to organize their major meetings, such as their assembly, in conjunction with
WCC meetings. On regional and national levels ACT Alliance should be encouraged to
cooperate closely with REOs and NCCs. A close relationship between the two is
considered crucial for the work of both organizations.
k. Strengthening the diaconal work of churches, particularly in Africa
The programme committee discussed diaconal work of the church and WCC, particularly
in Africa. The committee noted that Africa is included in this diaconal work of the WCC
but felt that more could be done in terms of capacity building.
l. Christian witness in a multi-religious world - recommendations for a code of
conduct
The programme committee appreciated the work done through the joint process towards
producing a shared code of conduct on Christian witness and encourages the general
secretary to send the document to the WCC member churches and to share it more widely
with other Christian groups.
m. Ecumenical Call to Just Peace
During the IEPC Plenary, the central committee was informed about the preparation
process for the IEPC. Rev. Gary Harriot, general secretary of the Jamaica Council of
Churches, gave assurances about the progress at the venue of the IEPC in Kingston,
Jamaica. Rev. Dr Fernando Enns, moderator of the IEPC planning committee, noted that
1,000 participants were expected including representatives from WCC member churches,
Christian world communions, ecumenical partners, specialized ministries and church
related peace groups, representatives from the region, and members of WCC working
groups. Assurance of youth participation was demonstrated through coordinated planning
with Echos, an essay contest, a pre-event for youth participants, a stewards’ programme,
workshops, a sunrise vigil on 22 May 2011 and a seminarians programme. The Spiritual
Life Working Group has prepared daily prayers and Bible studies for small groups. A total
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 65
number of 140 workshops have been selected and a concept of seminars has been
developed to discern around the daily themes of the IEPC:
• Peace in the Community - so that all may live free from fear
• Peace with the Earth - so that life is sustained
• Peace in the Marketplace - so that all may live with dignity
• Peace among the Peoples - so that human lives are protected
The work of the IEPC has two streams:
i. inspiration and reflection: toward an Ecumenical Theology of Just Peace
ii. lessons, networking, strategy: toward an Ecumenical Praxis of Just Peace
During the IEPC plenary the testimonies of H.E. Archbishop Avak Asadourian (Armenian
Orthodox, Iraq), Bishop Sally Dyck (United Methodist Church, USA) and Rev. James
Lagos Alexander (Africa Inland Church - Sudan) were highly appreciated, as were the
discussions by the central committee members which followed.
In the plenary Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser, former WCC general secretary and moderator of
the second drafting group for an “Ecumenical Declaration on Just Peace”, presented the
“Ecumenical Call to Just Peace”, which reflected the results of a long and participatory
process. This text, together with the broader background document “Just Peace
Companion” would serve as basic documents during the IEPC. It was expected that the
IEPC would supplement and strengthen this inventory of concrete ways for furthering
peace.
Requests in different thematic areas were received in writing and discussed by the group
in the following areas and some changes were presented in the document accordingly: to
explicitly mention domestic violence, to include the rule of law, to speak more explicitly
about the necessity to secure human rights, to include the issue of war-games, to review
how the role of women in peace-making is described, to speak of structural violence, and
to include the topic of arms proliferation and arms trade.
During the IEPC plenary the central committee was informed that the IEPC seeks three
results:
i. a co-owned agenda for Justice and Peace in the international ecumenical
community
ii. a strategic focus for WCC on 3-4 key areas of Just Peace - towards the 10th
Assembly in 2013 and beyond
iii. shared inspirations for beliefs and actions on peace.
The small group received a proposal from the Norwegian churches and church agencies,
who shared their wish to look at the IEPC as a place for starting a visual campaign on
small arms and light weapons, in accordance with and to support the deliberations in the
UN on an Arms Trade Treaty.
In addition the group was informed of an initiative of the churches in Sweden, who, in
preparation for the IEPC, recall the recommendation of the WCC Convocation on Justice,
Peace and Integrity of Creation (Seoul 1990) for the WCC and its member churches to
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 66
develop and coordinate “justice and peace ministries including a global nonviolence
service which can advance the struggle for human rights and liberation and serve in
situations of conflict, crisis and violence.”
The programme committee recommended that these initiatives be given an appropriate
space during the IEPC for wider networking and encourages these churches to take a
proactive role in these ecumenical projects.
15.3 Programme committee report - action on recommendations
After discussion, and upon recommendation of the programme committee, the central
committee approved by consensus:
• to request the general secretary, in conjunction with the appropriate churches, to
study the possibility of using the same method of E APPI in other conflicts,
including the possibility of interreligious accompaniment programmes where
conflicts have an interreligious nature;
• to request the general secretary to explore with the churches in Nigeria and the
AACC, how WCC can respond to recent crises in the northern region of Nigeria
(Jos) particularly, and other parts of Africa as well, and whether an
accompaniment group would be the appropriate response, to take up negotiation
with the different religious leaders in the country and the government in order to
seek a lasting solution for peace in the region;
• to extend the mandate of the Ecumenical Theological Education (ETE)
accompaniment group until the central committee meeting in 20 1 2 and to request
it to present its final report to that meeting, focusing on a coherent approach to
ecumenical theological education in WCC, including the Ecumenical Institute of
Bossey;
• to invite churches and ecumenical partners to support and strengthen the newly
created regional mechanisms for the support of theological education
(Theological Education Funds related to REOs in Latin America, Africa, Asia
and the work of related Forums of Associations of Theological Schools) as well
as itself to strengthen the collaboration with institutions for ecumenical
theological education among Evangelical and Pentecostal churches;
• to receive the document “Cooperation between WCC and ACT Alliance” as a
policy paper for the WCC on its relationship with ACT Alliance;
• to request the general secretary and staff to develop capacity building in the area
of diakonia in Africa in close cooperation with ACT ;
• to receive the “Ecumenical Call to Just Peace”, endorse it as an invitation,
commend it to the churches for study, reflection, collaboration and common
action, and follow up on the recommendations and conclusions of these
discussions with member churches;
• in order to design a strategic process of carrying forward the fundamental
development in a common understanding of just peace as policy in the work of
the WCC, to ask the general secretary to set up a reference group, in consultation
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 67
with CCIA, composed of members of CCIA, central committee members and key
persons who participated in the process leading to the IEPC, to meet no later than
September 2011:
i. to consider, collect and evaluate the results from the IEPC and the responses
to the ECJP
ii. to help build ecumenical consensus (reflection and action) on just peace for
the assembly 2013, and
iii. to report to the assembly planning committee;
• to give church-based initiatives to regulate small arms and strengthen capacities
for peace-building and nonviolence an appropriate space during the IEPC for
wider networking, and to encourage all member churches to take a proactive role
in these ecumenical projects;
• to commend the ongoing conversation around the Porto Alegre statements
“Called to be the One Church” and “The Nature and Mission of the Church”, and
to recommend that the faith and order commission continue to encourage that
conversation and to report back to the central committee in 20 1 2 on the emerging
ecclesial issues as well as the steps being taken by some member churches
towards visible unity; and to present a revised text on ecclesiology to be
forwarded to the assembly;
• to request the general secretary to initiate preparations for a unity statement for
the forthcoming assembly and to report to central committee about progress
made.
Rev. Heike Bosien wished the minutes to reflect appreciation for the concrete proposal
that ACT Alliance would hold its assembly in conjunction with the 10th Assembly in
Busan.
Rev. Alexander Vasyutin wished the minutes to stress the importance of the council’s
engagement with the Roman Catholic Church as the most significant non-member church.
Dr Audeh B. Quawas wished to note for the minutes that the determination of the
programme committee not to change the focus of the programme on migration represented
micromanagement, and urged that the staff and CCIA working group on migration be
allowed to discern and adjust the focus of the programme.
15.4 Recommendations of the policy reference committee regarding programme
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session. The policy reference committee
brought two items in its narrative report which the central committee elevated to the level
of programmatic recommendations. The central committee then approved by consensus:
• to request the general secretary to consider further WCC actions on just
communities of women and men, and to report with recommendations to the next
meeting of the executive committee; and
• to commend the two proposals regarding a new decade-long campaign for the
WCC. One proposal addressed poverty (economic injustice and the millennium
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 68
development goals), and the other climate justice. The central committee
expressed warm support for further consideration of these proposals and asked
the general secretary to come with a recommendation to the central committee in
2012.
16 Assembly
16.1 Report of the assembly planning committee
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session and invited H.E. Metropolitan Prof.
Dr Gennadios of Sassima, moderator of the assembly planning committee, to present the
report of the committee. He began by acknowledging the members of the assembly
planning committee and appreciating the commitment of all the members and staff to the
work of planning the assembly.
He then noted that the important decisions required of this central committee at this time
included: the assembly theme, the size of member church delegations, the invitations to
ecumenical partners and the assembly budget. Rev. Prof. Dr Seong-Won Park spoke on
behalf of Rev. Dr Kim Sam Hwan, moderator of the Korean assembly planning
committee, about the preparations and expectations in the Korean context. Rev. Dr Prof.
Kondothra M. George shared about the assembly from the Asian regional perspective.
Rev. Dr Paul Gardner introduced the theme proposals from the assembly planning
committee and invited members of the central committee to engage in plenary reflection
and discernment on the theme. Ms Hae-Sun Jung then introduced the concept of Madang
as open space, and spoke to several other aspects of the assembly planning committee
report, including preparatory and pre-assembly events, seat allocation, communication,
finance, nominations and governance.
After extended discussion, the central committee received the report with appreciation and
referred it to the various committees, as stated in the document, for further consideration.
16.2 Nominations committee recommendations related to the assembly
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a decision session. Rev.
Aaro Rytkonen presented the recommendations of the nominations committee regarding
the assembly.
Upon recommendation of the nominations committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
a. regarding general guidelines for seat allocation for the 10th Assembly:
• that the allocation of seats to member churches should reflect the current realities
of the WCC membership (size, region, confession, membership in several
countries, etc.);
• that in order to ensure an inclusive and balanced assembly the following goals for
delegates should be established: women 50%; youth 25%; lay persons 50%; and
Orthodox 25%;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 69
• that the total number of delegates (85% + 15%) should not significantly exceed
760, with an additional 10% if budget permits in order to allow for broader
participation of WCC member churches in the assembly;
• that a minimum of one delegate for each WCC member church is a constitutional
provision, with the understanding that each church has met the minimum
financial contribution as spelled out by the central committee (cf. 2003 central
committee decision);
• that the model used for both the Harare and Porto Alegre assemblies for churches
with significant membership in several countries should be used again (with
suitable modifications);
• that all churches should seek, wherever possible, to make their delegation
inclusive and balanced based upon the central committee recommendations;
• that these guidelines seek to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable balance
between churches and confessional denominations and adequate representation
of smaller churches and specific categories of delegates and participants (e.g.,
women, youth, lay persons, indigenous and disabled peoples; cf WCC Rules
IV. l.a.).
b. regarding a framework for seat allocation for the 10th Assembly:
• that there will be 85% of the seats distributed to delegates named by the member
churches and 15% of the delegates named by the central committee from persons
nominated by member churches at its meeting in September 2012 (as per WCC
Rules);
• that there is a commitment that 25% of the seats will be attributed to Orthodox
member churches;
• that confessional and regional balances should be derived from the naming of
delegates by member churches - with the balance of lay persons, women, youth,
disabled and indigenous people reached in negotiation with the member churches
based upon their additional nomination of persons to be considered in the 15%
category;
• that if the number is increased from 760 delegates by 10%, there should be an
appropriate adjustment made to the chart of “delegates by class” used for Porto
Alegre Assembly.
c. regarding actions to be taken at this time to implement the above guidelines and
framework:
• to send letters of invitation in March 2011 to each WCC member church
requesting:
i. confirmation of the number of members within the church
ii. nominations for delegates to the 10th Assembly based on the guidelines for
seat allocation (85% of member church delegates) and
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 70
iii. additional names of persons who may be nominated by the central
committee to secure balances (15% of member church delegates);
• to request the member churches to respond by April 2012 to allow time to
compile lists of delegates and identify imbalances prior to the September 2012
meeting of the central committee;
• as the 10th Assembly approaches, to review membership contributions to ensure
that all member churches are eligible to send delegates to the assembly.
d. regarding delegated representatives and delegated observers:
• to note that the WCC Rules stipulate that recognized ecumenical partners
[including regional ecumenical organizations (REOs), associate councils (NCCs),
Christian world communions (CWC)s, international ecumenical organizations
(IEOs) and specialized ministries] may be invited to send a “delegated
representative” to the assembly (with voice, but not able to participate in
decision-making); and that churches that are not members of the WCC [e.g., the
Roman Catholic Church, Pentecostal churches and other Protestant, Anglican or
Orthodox churches] may be invited to send “delegated observers” to the
assembly (with voice, but not able to participate in decision-making, cf. WCC
Rules IV. Lb; XIV.2; XV.2; XVI.2; and XVII.2.);
• to note that, for both delegated representatives and delegated observers, some of
these persons may be invited to join assembly committees as advisors. Delegated
representatives and delegated observers would continue to be invited to
participate fully and significantly in the celebratory aspects of the assembly and
its programme. In a multicultural, globalized world the WCC also foresees the
need for an intensive dialogue with other living religions (invited to previous
assemblies as “guests”);
• to consider the number of delegated representatives that ecumenical partners may
be invited to nominate to the assembly, i.e. one or more, noting that the WCC
Rules speak of “a delegated representative”, implying a single representative of
each ecumenical partner (cf. WCC Rules XIV.2; XV.2; XVI.2; and XVII.2).
e. regarding ecumenical partners and non-member churches (with particular
attention to the Roman Catholic Church and the Pentecostal churches):
• to invite them to reflect upon the changing understanding and vision of the WCC
assembly as described in the assembly discernment report;
• to invite them to offer their advice to the governing bodies of the WCC as soon
as possible on how they might best offer their gifts to the assembly as an
expression of and contribution to the one ecumenical movement;
• to invite them to identify how they believe they might best be involved in the life
and programme of the 10th Assembly;
f. regarding nominations and governance of the 10th Assembly:
• to request the executive committee to bring to the central committee in 2012
guidelines on governance and constitutional issues that will inform how
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febniar y 2011
page 71
nominations and central committee elections, and possibly moderators ’ elections,
are planned and subsequently presented;
• to request the WCC governing bodies to explore ways in which the actual rules
governing the work of the assembly business committee should be reviewed and
reconsidered; and
g. regarding a “continuation committee” of the assembly planning committee:
• to request the executive committee to bring recommendations regarding a
“continuation committee” of the assembly planning committee to the meeting of
the central committee in 2012 for consideration.
16.3 Policy reference committee recommendations related to the assembly
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session. Rev. Dr Paul Gardner presented
the narrative report of the policy reference committee regarding assembly matters, as
follows:
The policy reference committee received the assembly planning committee report and
discussed the assembly theme, the style and shape of the next assembly, worship life
and the terms of reference for the assembly planning committee.
The committee appointed a sub-committee to listen carefully to the plenary and
committee discussions on the assembly theme, keeping in mind the work of the APC
on the theme (criteria, proposals and rationale) and taking into account the situations
of Korea, Asia and the world.
The sub-committee strongly affirmed that the theme be a prayer and considered the
need for translation. The group brought to the committee a recommendation to
consider “God of Life, Lead us to Unity, Justice and Peace”, noting that it responds to
the desire of many to hold the concerns for unity, justice and peace together in one
theme.
The committee discussed the proposal at length, with some preferring the APC
proposal, “God of Life, Lead us to Justice and Peace”. The committee expressed
respect for both proposals, but due to the pressure of time was not able to reach a
consensus. The committee decided, by consensus, to move to voting procedures. The
committee voted to accept the theme “God of Life, Lead us to Unity, Justice and
Peace” (15 votes in favour, 10 votes not in favour and 0 abstentions).
The committee also briefly discussed the proposed sub -themes including the
possibility that they might also be formulated as prayers and that a fourth sub-theme
might be considered that makes reference to the reality of interreligious community
life.
The committee supports having an open and inviting “space” for ecumenical partners,
including evangelicals, Pentecostals and grassroots partners and encourages the
assembly planning committee to inform them at an early stage.
The committee affirms and encourages ensuring diversity at the assembly, including
people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, particularly from Asia, and Christians
who are living in difficult situations. It also reminds the assembly planning committee
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 72
of the need for the visible leadership of women, especially Asian women, in the life
of the assembly. The policy reference committee also expressed the desire for
meaningful youth participation.
The committee considered having ecumenical partners’ participation for business
session and its effect and strongly reiterates the wisdom of keeping separate the
business aspects and celebratory life of the assembly. The committee reiterated the
hope that business, such as the election of the central committee, be prepared
carefully and as far in advance as possible.
The committee affirms the assembly planning committee terms of reference and
strongly encourages an APC “continuation committee”, based on the rationale offered
in the report of the APC.
Based upon the recommendations of the policy reference committee, and after extended
discussion, the central committee approved by consensus:
• to receive the report of the assembly planning committee (APC) with great
appreciation for the work of the committee; and for the way in which the APC
has sought to follow the recommendations adopted by the central committee in
2009, as expressed in the final report of the policy reference committee;
• to offer thanks and encouragement to the churches in Korea, the National
Council of Churches in Korea and to the Korean National Planning Committee
for all they are doing to help prepare the 1 0th Assembly;
• to offer thanks and encouragement to churches in Asia for their input on the
theme of the assembly and for the ways in which they are helping to shape the
10th Assembly;
• to establish the theme of the 10th Assembly as “God of Life, Lead us to Justice
and Peace”; and affirm the sub-themes proposed by the assembly planning
committee;
• to encourage the assembly planning committee, at its meeting in September
201 1, to continue its work in developing the size, style and shape of the 10th
Assembly, keeping in mind the work of the assembly discernment committee, the
assembly recommendations from the 2009 report of the policy reference
committee, and to listen carefully also for input from the host churches, the
churches in the region and suggestions from ecumenical partners;
• to endorse the terms of reference for the assembly planning committee (APC);
• as was approved in reference to the nominations committee recommendation, to
defer until September 2012 discussion of the suggestion that there be an APC
“continuation committee” as a sub-committee to the assembly business
committee, that would include the APC moderator, 2 APC vice-moderators, 1
member of the APC representing Christian world communions, 1 member of the
APC representing specialized ministries and 2 members of the APC to represent
necessary balances; staffed by the WCC and national assembly coordinators;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 73
• to encourage the assembly worship planning committee to begin its work by
taking into account the experience and “best practices” from the prayer life and
Bible study of past assemblies, especially the 9th Assembly and also consider the
importance of encouraging spiritual preparation, through prayer among the
fellowship of member churches on the way to the 10th Assembly; and
• to request that the assembly planning committee give attention to the ecological
impact of the 1 0th Assembly and report on this to the central committee in
September 2012.
17 Staffing
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a closed decision session and invited Rev. Dr Olav
Fykse Tveit to present the staffing report.
17.1 Contract extension
Upon recommendation of the executive committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
• to extend the contract of Rev. Canon Dr John GIBAUT, Anglican Church of
Canada, Director of Faith and Order, whose first contract of 4 years ends on 28
February 2012, to 28 February 2015.
17.2 New programme leadership
The executive committee received a report from the general secretary on his plan to
recompose the staff executive group in order to maximize its efficiency and effectiveness
and to strengthen the focus on management in the programme work. After thorough
discussion, the executive committee endorsed the general secretary’s plan and approved
bringing the necessary recommendations to the central committee for approval.
Under the new composition, there would be two programme leaders who would have the
title “associate general secretary”. Their roles would include:
i. setting strategic directions for programme content;
ii. implementing planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes;
iii. strengthening relationships with key ecumenical funding partners and
providing greater visibility to the programme work of the council; and
iv. providing supervision of project team coordinators and ensuring effective
staff management within teams.
It was noted that associate general secretaries would not have direct responsibility for the
implementation of individual projects and/or activities, which was the case today for
programme directors.
One of the associate general secretaries would carry the portfolio for the fields of unity
and mission, encompassing PI and P2. The other associate general secretary would carry
the portfolio for the fields of public witness and diakonia, encompassing P3, P4 and P6.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 74
The Ecumenical Institute, Bossey would continue to relate directly to the general
secretariat as now, but also with strong links to the programme areas and to finance.
The role descriptions for the new associate general secretaries would be developed in
order to allow focus on programme direction, implementation, evaluation, reporting and
income development. The role descriptions of the current programme directors would be
revised accordingly, so that they could focus primarily on leading the project work and
project teams for which they will be responsible. They could retain their titles and salaries.
After extended discussion, the central committee approved by consensus:
• to approve two new associate general secretary positions;
• to open both positions for recruitment;
• to delegate to the executive committee the authority to appoint persons to the
positions of associate general secretary at its meeting in September 2011.
The central committee expressed its support for the general secretary in his efforts to
redress imbalances within the senior-level staff, and hoped that the new appointments
would further this process.
17.3 Informational update on staffing
a. Appointments since the last central committee meeting
The following staff members were appointed by the executive committee:
Ms Natasha KLUKACH, Anglican Church of Canada, Programme Executive for
North American Relations, started work on 1 January 2011.
The following staff, interns and consultants have been appointed under the authority of the
general secretary since reporting to the last central committee meeting:
Rev. Dieter BRANDES, seconded by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Wiirttemberg assisted in the Healing of Memories work of the WCC, as Senior
Advisor, from 1 January 2010 until 30 September 2010 (date of retirement of Mr
Brandes). He has served mainly from Germany.
Ms Jasmine BOSTOCK, Episcopal Church USA, Youth Intern, International
Ecumenical Peace Convocation, started work on 15 March 2010.
Ms Anastasia DRAG AN, Lutheran Church of Moldova, Youth Intern, Youth and
Ecumenical Formation, started work on 15 March 2010.
Ms Ani GH AZARYAN, Armenian Apostolic Church, Youth Intern, Ecology and
Social Justice, started work on 7 April 2010.
Ms Selaotswe LEREFOLO, Methodist Church in Southern Africa, Youth Intern,
Mission and Evangelism, started work on 15 March 2010.
Ms Aneth LWAKATARE, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, Youth Intern,
Visitor’s Programme, started work on 15 March 2010.
Rev. Sangyoun LEE, seconded by the Korean Methodist Church, Income
Development Consultant, started work on 1 September 2009.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 75
Mr Lambert Chitranjan Devadasen SOLOMON, Church of South India,
Communication Officer for the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum, started work on
12 October 2009.
Rev. Daniel Dong Sung KIM, partially seconded by the Presbyterian Church of
Korea, Consultant Asia Regional Relations, started work on 23 April 2010.
Prof. Dr Annemarie MAYER, Roman Catholic Consultant, started work on 1 January
2011.
The following administrative, specialized and house staff has been appointed under the
authority of the general secretary:
Ms Ana Paola KAUFMANN, House Staff at the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, started
work on 1 Feb 2010.
Mr Julien MABILLARD, Linux and Web Systems Specialist, indefinite contract as of
1 April 2010.
Ms Greta HOVDA, project assistant, indefinite contract as of 1 May 2010.
Ms Marcia B AUER-KAPANCI, Professor of English Language, Ecumenical Institute
Bossey, from 14 June to 3 September 2010.
Ms Melissa KAMINKER, Advocacy Officer, Mother and child health project, from
10 September to 10 December 2010.
Mr Geronimo DESUM ALA, Project Assistant, UN office in NY, from 1 October
20 1 0 until 3 1 December 2011.
Mr Hans VON RUTTE, Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches, Archivist at 40%,
Library and Archive, from 1 November 2010 to 3 1 October 2011.
Ms Margareta GRAPE, Church of Sweden, Coordinator of the WCC liaison office to
the United Nations in New York, started work on 1 January 2011.
Mr James M. WEST, Roman Catholic Church, Publisher, started work on 1 February
2011.
Ms Jenny OSKARSON, Field Officer for EAPPI, from 1 February 2011 to 31
January 2012.
Rev. Garland PIERCE, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Senior Assistant to the
general secretary, will start work on 15 May 2011.
Ms Michele CAS SARD, Roman Catholic Church, Human Resources Manager, for 4
years from a date to be mutually agreed upon.
b. Contract extensions
The executive committee approved the following for contract extensions:
Ms Nan BRAUNSCHWEIGER, Church of Scotland, IEPC Coordinator, whose
contract ended on 31 August 2010, extended to 31 August 2011.
Ms Maria Cazilda CHAVEZ QUISPE, Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia,
Consultant for Indigenous Peoples’ Programme, whose contract ended on 30
November 2010, extended to 30 November 2011.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 76
Ms Maike GORSBOTH, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland, Coordinator for
Ecumenical Water Network, whose contract ended on 31 December 2010, extended
by one year up to 3 1 December 2011.
Dr Amele EKUE, North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Professor of
Ecumenical Ethics at the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, whose contract ends on 3 1
July 2011, extended to 3 1 July 2014.
Dr Fulata MBANO-MOYO, Presbyterian Church of Africa, Programme Executive
for women, whose contract ends on 31 August 2011, extended to 31 August 2014.
Mr Michel NSEIR, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East,
Programme Executive in Public Witness and Advocacy, whose contract ends on 31
August 2011, extended to 31 August 2014.
Mr Mark BEACH, Mennonite Church USA, Director for Communications, whose
second contract ended on 30 September 2010, extended on an indefinite basis.
Mr Jonathan FRERICHS, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Programme
Executive, whose second contract of three years ends on 30 September 2011,
extended on an indefinite basis.
Rev. Dr Joo Seop KEUM, Presbyterian Church of Korea, Programme Executive on
Mission and Evangelism, whose first contract of four years ends on 30 November
2011, extended to 30 November 2014.
Ms Christina PAPAZOGLOU, Ecumenical Patriarchate, Programme Executive for
Human Rights, whose first contract of four years ends on 30 November 2011,
extended to 30 November 2014.
Ms Athena PERALTA, has been invited to continue her services as Consultant on
Poverty, Wealth and Ecology: Impact of Economic Globalization, until 31 December
2011. She is located in Manila, The Philippines.
Mr Hendrew LUSEY, Consultant for Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Initiative in Africa, has
been invited to continue his services until 31 August 2012.
Dr Susan PURCEL, Consultant for Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Initiative in Africa, has
been invited to continue her services until 30 September 2012.
Ms Pauline BAHUN-WILSON, Consultant for Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Initiative in
Africa, has been invited to continue her services until 30 September 2012.
c. Vacancies
The following vacancies were open at the time of the central committee.
Programme Executive interreligious dialogue and cooperation (2 positions)
Staff writer for the Communications Department
Programme Director for Unity and Mission - this was subsequently changed
following the discussion by the central committee (see 17.2) and two vacancies were
opened: one for Associate General Secretary for Mission and Unity and one for
Associate General Secretary for Public Witness and Diakonia.
d. Seconded staff for the year 2011
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 77
Name of Staff
Rev. Dieter
BRANDES
Ms Kelly
BROWNLEE
Country /
Nationality
Germany
USA
Present Role/Title
Assist in the
Healing of
Memories work of
the WCC, as Senior
Advisor _
Development
Officer-Foundations
Church /
Organization
Duty
Station
Appointed
£2
Evangelical
Lutheran
Church of
Wiirttemberg
Wiirttem-
berg
Germany
Church/
Organization
ICCO Geneva WCC
Ms Margareta
GRAPE
Sweden
WCC UNLO
Representative
Church of
Sweden
UN, USA
Church/
Organization
Rev. Dr Dagmar
HELLER
Germany
Prof. Ecumenical
Theology & PE in EKD
F&O
Geneva
Church/
Organization
Prof. Paul John
ISAAK
MrKjell
JONASSON
Rev. Dr
Gervasis
KARUMATHY
Rev. Daniel
Dong Sung
KIM _
Rev. Sangyoun
LEE
Rev. Dr Odair
MATEUS
ProfDr
Annemarie
MAYER
Namibia
Sweden
India
South
Korea
South
Korea
Brazil
Germany
Prof. Ecumenical
Missiology
JIC Associate to the
Executive Secretary
Prof. Ecumenical
Biblical
Hermeneutics
Consultant Asia
Regional Relations
Income
Development
Consultant
Prof. Ecumenical
Theology & PE in
F&O .
Roman Catholic
consultant
CWM,
CEVAA, UEM
Church of
Sweden
Ecum.
Inst.
Bossey
Jeru¬
salem
Vatican/PCPCU
Ecum.
Inst.
Bossey
Presbyterian
Church of
Geneva
Korea
The Korean
Methodist
Geneva
Church
Christian
Ecum.
Church
Inst.
(Disciples)
Bossey
WCC
Church/
Organization
Vatican/PCPCU Geneva
Church/
Organization
WCC
Church/
Organization
WCC
Church/
Organization
Ms Katarina
STEWART
Mr Chitranjan
SOLOMON
Finland
India
EAPPI, EAs
Support &
Facilitator
Communication
Officer, Palestine
Israel Ecumenical
Forum
EED
ICCO
Jeru¬
salem
Geneva
Church/
Organization
Church/
Organization
1 8 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session in which
the central committee was invited to consider the Ecumenical Call to Just Peace and the
International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IPEC).
Rev. Fernando Enns, moderator of IEPC planning committee, began by informing the
central committee of the programme plans for the convocation, emphasizing the
importance of youth participation, the centrality of spiritual life and the dual streams of
reflexion and praxis.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 78
Rev. Gary Harriott, general secretary of the Jamaica Council of Churches, gave a brief
update on the preparations for the IEPC in the Jamaican context, emphasizing the
enthusiasm of the Jamaican churches and government and the depth of their engagement
with the themes of the convocation.
Dr Enns then drew attention to the document entitled “Ecumenical Call to Just Peace” and
its longer companion dossier. Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser, chair of the second drafting group,
presented the current text and introduced the committee to its central features. He
reminded the committee that the mandate to develop a statement on peace arose in the
Porto Alegre Assembly’s statement on “The Responsibility to Protect.” The process
undertaken in the intervening years had led to this document, which issued a call for a
new ecumenical consensus on justice and peace. As the document continued to be
seasoned by the central committee and the IEPC, the intention was that it would find its
final form at the Busan Assembly. The central committee was now asked to receive this
document and to commend it to the churches for study, reflection and collaboration.
The central committee then heard reflections from three panellists on the relevance of the
IEPC themes in their contexts. H.E. Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Council of Christian
Church Leaders of Iraq, shared how the creation of the council in 2010 marked a
significant milestone in the ecumenical peace witness of the Iraqi churches. Bishop Sally
Dyck, United Methodist Church (USA), spoke of how the church has fostered respectful
listening amidst the deeply-divided American context. Rev. James Lagos Alexander,
Africa Inland Church - Sudan, who had lived his entire life in a country at war, reflected
on the costly challenge of peacemaking among tribal, ethnic and linguistic divisions
which are even manifest within the church.
The central committee then engaged in small group discussions and plenary reflections,
underlining the importance of the IEPC and the Ecumenical Call to Just Peace, and
expressing hopes for an ever-greater impact of the Christian peace witness in all its
manifestations.
The central committee expressed its gratitude for the presentations and discussions, and
referred the Ecumenical Call and the IEPC to the programme committee sub-committee
on the IEPC for further consideration. The report and recommendations on the IEPC
appear in the programme section of these minutes.
19 Communications
19.1 Report of the Communications Advisory Group
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session. Rev. Carmen Lansdowne
presented the report and recommendations of the communications advisory group. She
began with the following personal introductory comments:
“At the WCC 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre, Namsoon Kang challenged the
anglocentrism of the WCC by asserting that participants who spoke English as their
first language were the ‘first class’ passengers on the ecumenical airplane. Those who
spoke another operating language fly coach, and those for whom an operating
language is not their mother tongue, they are forced to fly cargo (if at all!). Those
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 79
words have haunted me. To stand in solidarity with all members of the central
committee who have to speak in a second or third language, and to embody one of the
strategic points of the Communications Strategy that seeks to achieve diversity in
language, today I will deliver this report in my second language, French. As an
indigenous Canadian woman I have to point out the irony in my ability to speak both
official languages of colonization in Canada, but as a result of the intentional
prohibition of indigenous languages in Canadian history I cannot speak the
Heiltsuk’wala, the language of my people.”
Ms Lansdowne then presented the report of the advisory group as follows:
a. Improved access to historical documents of the council through digitized access
in cooperation with member churches
During the discussion of the ways in which the current communication strategy is being
implemented in the WCC, the issue was raised of the sometimes limited access to the
historical documents of the WCC - especially those generated prior to the digital age. For
example, the “Sheffield Report” on the community of women and men that the central
committee has referred to in this meeting is very difficult to obtain now that it is out of
print. Digitizing access to such documents and publications through the library and
archives (which fall under communications) would make them more easily accessible to
researchers who do not have access to copies in their own libraries. It was noted that many
churches and/or seminaries may have some of the documents so communication with the
churches and asking for support in getting volunteers to help digitize would be a way to
deal with the volume of documents without having to allocate a large increase in funding.
b. Increasing the profile and impact of the WCC through communications
To raise the profile and impact of the World Council of Churches, communications have
been streamlined so that WCC’s mission and core values are easily conveyed to member
churches, partners and the world through the integration of web and press functions, a
reinvigoration of the publishing projects, and making the fellowship visible through
promotion and marketing, and language services. The biggest success has been in the area
of publishing. With the co-publication of new books, the WCC is partnering with well-
known publishing houses to make WCC titles available to a wider audience. The
connections to other publishers also means that WCC has access to a wider range of
ecumenical writers than previously - most importantly, this widened network means
access to quality publications that were not originally written in English.
Perhaps most exciting and successful is the move to co-publish the Ecumenical Review
and the International Review of Mission through Wiley-Blackwell. Through a negotiation
with Wiley, the WCC was able to make those journals both widely accessible and
profitable. Contrary to what was originally believed, the subscriptions to the two journals
were mainly from large academic libraries. With the increase in quality and status to a
peer-reviewed journal, these subscribers were willing to pay market rates. The WCC
negotiated to provide no increase in subscription rates to subscribers in the global south
who were originally paying for the journals and subsidies where needed. Even with the
subsidization program, the journals went from losing more than 200,000 CHF to a net
profit of just over 80,000 CHF in only one year through the co-publication venture.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 80
Lastly, by expanding into the “print-on-demand” and eBook markets through retailers
such as Amazon.com, the cost of printing and shipping books has been significantly
reduced.
There is a commitment in the communications strategy to the WCC language policy;
exploring the possibility of offering meetings and resources in a broader number of
languages; and member church involvement all to make the language services of the
WCC more functional and engaging. The promotion and marketing functions of the
communications department consist of maintaining the WCC brand; visitors and local
events, enhancing the Ecumenical Centre; and the WCC bookshop.
c. Strengthening the relationship with member church communications work
The communications department is committed to building strong networks of
communication between member churches and the organization. The advisory group
discussed the possibility of liaising with regional ecumenical organizations, existing
regional communication networks and member churches to make sure that the stories of
the people and the life of WCC member churches are widely available. The goal is to have
a strong global network by the time of the assembly in 2013.
d. Communications training for WCC staff and governing bodies
The communications strategy includes staff training for resource development and
branding, consistency in the style and content across programmes, learning to maintain
web-based information on a consistent and regular basis and in a timely fashion, and
developing strategic plans that include communication with member churches and the
world.
e. Role of communication to increase WCC resources
The communications department has partnered with the Income Monitoring and
Development team to ensure that the protocols and planning processes encouraged in
other programmatic areas include provision for the materials and resources needed to
develop existing relationships with member churches and funding partners, as well as to
engage in new forms of increasing the council’s income. Most notably, the council is now
equipped to launch a “friends of the WCC” programme whose primary audience will be
the 3,000+ visitors who come to the ecumenical centre every year. Through the
production of a simple information card, the IMD team can collect information on WCC
friends including whether or not they are interested in supporting the council through
financial contributions.
In addition, the two teams have collaborated on a new web -based individual giving
campaign that is in the design stage of development, as well as preparing to have
fundraising “kits” available for those who would like to volunteer to approach individuals
or congregations. Because of the severe constraints on both budgets and human resources,
some of these projects are slow to get off the ground, but they are important and exciting
parts of the work of both communications and IMD. In addition, it is worth noting that the
increase in communication efforts on the part of the IMD team resulted in an increase of
contributing member churches in 2010 from 177 to 230 - an increase of almost 30%. In
addition, the churches who have delegates to the central committee all fall into the
category of paying churches, with only two exceptions. The partnership between
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 81
communications and IMD will be increasingly important as we near the assembly since
both strategies will include pre-assembly, assembly and post-assembly components. The
sooner the council can invest in the communications and fundraising projects in this area,
the more fruitful it will be in terms of securing the financial wellbeing of the council.
f. Decreased funding to Ecumenical News International (ENI)
The advisory group heard from the director of communications that through a process of
restructuring and negotiation with its partners, ENI is now entirely independent. The
WCC was forced to reduce its contributions to ENI by a significant amount, but remains
its biggest funding partner and still has a representative to the ENI Board. ENI continues
to produce 2-3 stories daily, down slightly from their previous output of 4.
g. Communicating the WCC 10 Assembly before, during and after Busan
The advisory group reviewed the draft communication strategy that will form the basis for
the 10th Assembly. The strategy is based on the Porto Alegre Assembly but has been
updated in order to be consistent with the current overall communication strategy. The
advisory group affirmed the overview presented by the director of communications,
especially that the strategy included evaluation of print resources, employing local
vendors for print-on-demand services to reduce shipping costs, and supporting the
delegates and other participants in using WCC media to have a wide impact before, during
and after the assembly. The advisory group noted that there are very advanced
possibilities for the use of digital technologies in Korean infrastructure and affirmed
planning an engaging yet globally accessible communications strategy for Busan.
h. Issues raised from plenary sessions
The WCC is encouraged, through the communications department, to find ways to engage
the central committee and other meetings by increased use of audio and visual media.
Even though not all presenters will be able to plan to use power point or such media, it
was noted that regions could be highlighted by maps on the projecting screen as a way of
locating a speaker’s context and engaging the audience visually. This feedback was taken
into consideration by the director of communication.
The communications advisory group will be forwarding a communication to the WCC
officers stressing the need for an overall improvement in the communication between
members of the governing bodies as well as encouraging them to have a strategy in place
to improve central committee communication by the next meeting in September 2012.
19.2 Action in response to the report of the communications advisory group
Upon recommendation of the communications advisory group, the central committee
approved by consensus:
• to improve access on the website to digitized forms of historical documents and
publications and to include member churches in this process, this will be
registered as a contribution to the WCC “in-kind”.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 82
20 Closing actions
20.1 Evaluation
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session and invited Rev. Dr Hielke Wolters
to present preliminary results from the evaluations submitted thus far. He encouraged all
central committee participants to submit evaluation forms.
20.2 Future meetings
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit informed the central committee that the next meeting would be
held 29 August through 5 September 2012. He also noted that the executive committee
would meet next on 13-16 September 2011 in Addis Ababa.
20.3 Appreciation
The moderator expressed a deep feeling of gratitude for this meeting. He then, on behalf
of the officers, voiced thanks and appreciation to:
• members of the central committee for their active participation and commitment
to the deliberations and actions of the meeting;
• all those who had attended the meeting in various capacities for their
participation;
• all those who led in prayer over the week;
• the vice-moderators for moderating some of the decision sessions and the
presidents and central committee members who moderated during the hearing
sessions;
• the moderators, vice-moderators, rapporteurs and those who served on
committees;
• the general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, for his leadership and
commitment to the ecumenical movement and the council;
• the advisor/consultant on consensus, Dr Jill Tabart, for her helpful counsel during
this meeting where important decisions were taken smoothly thanks in large part
to her wisdom and work with the officers;
• and finally to the staff and stewards.
The general secretary expressed his gratitude to the moderator and the vice -moderators for
their leadership and to all those who had contributed to the success of this meeting of the
central committee. He especially thanked:
• the minute taker, Eden Grace;
• the central committee members who accepted to be recorders for decision
sessions: Rev. Judy Angleberger, Rev. Gregor Henderson, Rev. Will Ingram,
Rev. Dr Sarah Rogers, Rev. Frank Schiirer-Behrmann and Ms Outi Vasko;
• Dr Sarojini Nadar for her inspiring Bible studies;
• Rev. Terry Mac Arthur for his enthusiastic leadership in common prayer;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 83
• the stewards - these young people who have served the churches and the
ecumenical movement by their work here to ensure that the central committee
meeting has gone smoothly;
• and the staff - remarking that, as staff numbers are reduced, practically every
member of staff has participated in organizing this central committee meeting.
20.4 Closing
The moderator closed the meeting of the central committee with prayer.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febimary 2011
page 84
21 Appendix I - Participants List
Officers
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, Igreja Evangelica de Confissao Luterana no Brasil
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse, Gereja Protestan Maluku (GPM)
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, World Council of Churches
Presidents
H.B. Archbishop Prof. Dr Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, Orthodox
Autocephalous Church of Albania
Rev. Dr Simon Kossi Dossou, Eglise protestante methodiste du Benin
Dr Soritua Albert Ernst Nababan, Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP)
Rev. Dr Ofelia Ortega Suarez, Iglesia Presbiteriana-reformada en Cuba
Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson, United Church of Christ
Dame Mary Tanner, Church of England
Members
Rev. Kjetil Aano, Church of Norway
Most Rev. Dr Robert Aboagye-Mensah, Methodist Church Ghana
Bishop Ivan Manuel Abrahams, Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Dr Agnes Abuom, Anglican Church of Kenya
Justice Sophia O.A. Adinyira, Church of the Province of West Africa
H.G. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia)
Rev. James Lagos Alexander, Africa Inland Church - Sudan
Mrs Jeannette Akissi Aneye, Eglise methodiste unie de la Cote d’Ivoire
Rev. Dr Judy Angleberger, Presbyterian Church (USA)
H.E. Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Rev. Dr Festus A. Asana, Presbyterian Church in Cameroon
H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin)
Bishop Samuel Robert Azariah, Church of Pakistan
Rev. Jiayuan Bao, China Christian Council
Dr Nora Bayrakdarian-Kabakian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia)
Ms Christina Biere, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland Kirchenamt der EKD
H.E. Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta, Coptic Orthodox Church
Rev. Heike Bosien, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland Kirchenamt der EKD
Rev. Dr Sofia Camnerin, Mission Covenant Church of Sweden
Rev. Rothangliani R. Chhangte, American Baptist Churches in the USA
Mrs Paula Devejian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin)
Rev. Dr Moiseraele Prince Dibeela, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 85
Rev. Fr George Dimas, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East
Rev. Carlos Duarte Voelker, Iglesia Evangelica del Rio de la Plata
Bishop Sally Dyck, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr Fernando Enns, Vereinigung der Deutschen Mennonitengemeinden
Dean Anders Gadegaard, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark
Bishop Peter Gancs, Lutheran Church in Hungary
Rev. Dr Ying Gao, China Christian Council
Rev. Dr Paul Gardner, Moravian Church in Jamaica
Rev. Dr Prof. Kondothra M. George, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Archimandrite Prof. Dr Job Getcha, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Mrs Anne Glynn-Mackoul, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East
Dr David Robin Goodbourn, Baptist Union of Great Britain
Archpriest Mikhail Goundiaev, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
Ms Sarah Harte, Episcopal Church in the USA
Bishop Dr Martin Hermann Hein, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland Kirchenamt der
EKD
Rev. Gregor Henderson, Uniting Church in Australia
Mrs Anita Henslin, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia
Rev. Dr Martin Hirzel, Schweizerischer Evangelischer Kirchenbund
Fr Heikki Huttunen, Orthodox Church of Finland
Rev. William Ingram, Presbyterian Church in Canada
Bishop Dr Ioannis of Thermopylae, Church of Greece
H.G. Bishop Irinej of Australia and New Zealand, Serbian Orthodox Church
Rev. W.P. Ebenezer Joseph, Methodist Church, Sri Lanka
Ms Hae-Sun Jung, Korean Methodist Church
r
Rev. Micheline Kamba Kasongo, Eglise du Christ au Congo - Communaute
presbyterienne de Kinshasa
Ms Carmencita Karagdag, Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Rev. Canon Nangula Kathindi, Anglican Church of Southern Africa
Ms Marloes Keller, Protestant Church in the Netherlands
Rev. Dr Sint Kimhachandra, Church of Christ in Thailand
Rev. Leonard Tegwende Kinda, Association des eglises evangeliques reformees du
Burkina Faso
Mrs Pati Kyafa, Reformed Church of Christ in Nigeria
Rev. Carmen Lansdowne, United Church of Canada
Mag. Emanuela Larentzakis, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Rev. Sanele Faasua Lavatai, Methodist Church of Samoa
Mrs Ming-Min Lin Cheng, Presbyterian Church in Taiwan
Ms Kathryn Lohre, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop Carlos Lopez-Lozano, Iglesia Espanola Reformada Episcopal
H.E. Metropolitan Dr Makarios of Kenya and Irinoupolis, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of
Alexandria and All Africa
Rev. Antonio Pedro Malungo, Igreja Evangelica Reformada de Angola
H.E. Metropolitan Damascinos Mansour of Brazil, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of
Antioch and All the East
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 86
Prof. Dr Georgios Martzelos, Church of Greece
Rev. Graham Gerald McGeoch, Church of Scotland
Bishop Dr Owdenburg Moses Mdegella, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania
Ms Peggy Adeline Mekel, Christian Evangelical Church in Minahasa (GMIM)
Dr Marie-Christine Michau, Eglise evangelique lutherienne de France
Ms Kristyna Mlynkova, Czechoslovak Hussite Church
Rev. Dr Elisee Musemakweli, Eglise presbyterienne au Rwanda
Jane Mutoro, Religious Society of Friends: Friends United Meeting
Dr Magali Nascimento Cunha, Igreja Metodista no Brasil
Mr Itayi Ndudzo, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe
Rev. Dr Wakseyoum Idossa Negeri, Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus
Mrs Margarita Nelyubova, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Nifon of Targoviste, Romanian Orthodox Church
Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, Eglise anglicane du Burundi
Ms Omowunmi lyabode Oyekola, Church of the Lord (Aladura) Worldwide
Rev. Prof. Dr Seong-Won Park, Presbyterian Church of Korea
Dr Evelyn Parker, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Mr Carlos Pena, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Dr Mindawati Perangin-angin, Gereja Batak Karo Protestan (GBKP)
Rev. Hector Osvaldo Petrecca, Iglesia Cristiana Biblica
Bishop Simo Peura, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Bishop Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos, Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar
Rev. Dr Larry Pickens, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr Tyrone S. Pitts, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Ms Alison Jane Preston, Anglican Church of Australia
Rev. I. Made Priana, Gereja Kristen Protestan di Bali (GKPB)
Dr Audeh B. Quawas, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Dr Agedew Redie, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Rev. Dr Sarah Rogers, Church in Wales
H.E. Metropolitan Mor Eustathius Matta Roham, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
and All the East
Dr Anthony Row, Methodist Church in Malaysia
Rev. Aaro Rytkonen, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Bishop Taranath S. Sagar, Methodist Church in India
Rev. Lindsey Heather Sanderson, United Reformed Church
Bishop Martin Schindehtitte, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
Kirchenamt der EKD
Rev. Gretchen Schoon-Tanis, Reformed Church in America
Rev. Frank Schurer-Behrmann, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland Kirchenamt der EKD
Ms Iveta Starcova, Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia
Rev. Dr Michael Tita, Romanian Orthodox Church
H.E. Metropolitan Dr Vasilios of Constantia - Ammochostos, Church of Cyprus
Ms Outi Vasko, Orthodox Church of Finland
Archbishop Dr Joris Vercammen, Old-Catholic Church in the Netherlands
World Council of Chur ches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 87
Rev. Hnoija Jean Wetewea, Eglise evangelique en Nouvelle-Caledonie et aux lies
Loyaute
Rev. Robina Winbush, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Rev. Motoe Yamada, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr Andreas Yewangoe, Christian Church of Sumba (GKS)
Members - Substitutes
H.G. Bishop Georges T. Daniel, Coptic Orthodox Church, substitute for H.G. Bishop
Y ouannes
Rt Rev. Dr Peter Forster, Church of England, substitute for Rt Rev. Thomas Butler
Bishop Nikolaos Hyka, Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, substitute for Mr
Jorgo Papadhopuli
Rev. John Jillions, Orthodox Church in America, substitute for V. Rev. Leonid
Kishkovsky
Rev. Deacon Theodoros Meimaris, Ecumenical Patriarchate, substitute for Mrs Anna
Teodoridis-Del Re
Bishop Sharon Rader, United Methodist Church, substitute for Ms Lois McCullough
Dauway
Rev. Lala Rasendrahasina, Eglise de Jesus-Christ a Madagascar, substitute for Mme
Suzette Razanadrakoto
Rev. Javier Rojas Teran, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en Bolivia, substitute for Bishop
Carlos Poma Apaza
Archpriest Dmitry Sizonenko, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate),
substitute for Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin
Rev. Alexander Vasyutin, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), substitute for
Father Igor Vyzhanov
Archbishop Anders Wejryd, Church of Sweden, substitute for Ms Margareta Grape
Rev. Dr Robert K. Welsh, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States of
America, substitute for Rev. Dr Sharon Watkins
Bishop Dr John Franklin White, African Methodist Episcopal Church, substitute for
Bishop McKinley Young
OKR Rev. Jens Nieper, Evangelical Church in Germany, substitute for Ms Christina Biere
on 21-22 February
Members - Apologies
Mr Onesimus Asiimwe, Church of Uganda
Ms Terauango Beneteri, Kiribati Protestant Church
Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, United Church of Christ
Ms Nerrisa Celestine- James, Church in the Province of the West Indies
Dr Anna May Chain, Myanmar Baptist Convention
Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
Mrs Hera Rere Clarke, Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia
Mr John Taroanui Doom, Eglise protestante Maohi
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 88
Rt Rev. Dr Govada Dyvasirvadam, Church of South India
Rev. Dr Safwat El-Baiady, Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Egypt, Synod of the Nile
Rev. Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu E.
Mrs Jenny Rio Rita Girsang, Simalungun Protestant Christian Church (GKPS)
H.E Metropolitan Dr Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow
Patriarchate)
Most Rev. Dr Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
V. Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, Orthodox Church in America
Ms Sanchita Kisku, United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India
Mrs Prabhjot Primrose Masih, Church of North India
Ms Lois McCullough Dauway, United Methodist Church
Rev. Prof. Renta Nishihara, Anglican Church in Japan
Mr Jorgo Papadhopuli, Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania
His Holiness Abune Paulos, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Prof. Dr Vladan Perisic, Serbian Orthodox Church
Bishop Sofie Petersen, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark
Bishop Carlos Poma Apaza, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en Bolivia
Rev. Glenna Spencer, Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas
Rev. Canon John Alfred Steele, Anglican Church of Canada
V. Rev. Pawel Wlodzimierz Stefanowski, Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church
Mrs Anna Teodoridis-Del Re, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Mrs Helen Ubon Usung, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria
Ms Geraldine Varea, Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
Father Igor Vyzhanov, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
Rev. Dr Sharon Watkins, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States of
America
H.G. Bishop Youannes, Coptic Orthodox Church
Bishop McKinley Young, African Methodist Episcopal Church
H.G. Abune Zecharias, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Rev. Simon Zeyi Ndingambote, Eglise de Jesus-Christ sur la Terre par son Envoye special
Simon Kimbangu
Moderators of Commissions and Advisory Bodies
Rev. Kjell Magne Bondevik, Church of Norway
Bishop Dr Geevarghese Mor Coorilos, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Prof. Isabel Apawo Phiri, Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa
Ms Arja Birgitta Rantakari, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Archbishop Michael Kehinde Stephen, Methodist Church Nigeria
Advisors - International Ecumenical Organizations
Rev. Karin Achtelstetter, World Association for Christian Communication - WACC
Ms Irene Banda Mutalima, ECLOF International
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 89
Rev. Dr Meehyun Chung, Mission 21
Ms Catharina Covolo, Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe - EYCE
Rev. Collin Isaiah Cowan, Council for World Mission
Mr Caesar D’Mello, Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism - ECOT
Rev. Johan Vilhelm Eltvik , World Alliance of YMCAs
Ms Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, World Young Women’s Christian Association
Ms Beris Gwynne, World Vision International
Mrs Catherine Gyarmathy-Amherd, International Committee of the Fellowship of the
Least Coin (ICFLC)
Ms Christine Housel, World Student Christian Federation
Rev. Celestin Gbeliho Kiki, Community of Churches in Mission (CEEVA)
Mr Oliver Martin, Evangelisher Etwicklungdienst
Mr John Nduna, ACT Alliance
Mr Peter Prove, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance
Mr Robert W. F. van Drimmelen, Association of World Council of Churches -related
Development Organisations in Europe - APRODEV
Mrs Ana Villanueva, World Young Women’s Christian Association
Rev. Robert Wiebusch, United Bible Societies
Advisors - Christian World Communions
Bishop Heinrich Bolleter, World Methodist Council
Dr George H. Freeman, United Methodist Council
Rev. Msgr Gosbert Byamungu, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
Dr John Graz, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Dr Kathryn L. Johnson, Lutheran World Federation
Rev. Martin Junge, Lutheran World Federation
Rev. Nicta Lubaale Makiika, Organisation of African Instituted Churches
Rev. Chandran Paul Martin, Lutheran World Federation
Dr Larry Miller, Mennonite World Conference
Lt. Colonel Richard Munn, Salvation Army
Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi, World Communion of Reformed Churches
Rev. Terrie Robinson, Anglican Communion
Janet Scott, Friends World Committee for Consultation
Rev. Prof. David Thompson, Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council (Christian
Churches)
Rev. Dr Douwe Visser, World Communion of Reformed Churches
Advisors - Regional Ecumenical Organizations
Rev. Dr Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang, Christian Conference of Asia
Very Rev. Prof. Dr Viorel Ionita, Conference of European Churches
Rev. Dr Andre Karamaga, All Africa Conference of Churches
Ms Seta Margossian-Hadeshian, Middle East Council of Churches
Dr Fe’iloakitau Kaho Tevi, Pacific Conference of Churches
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Februaty 2011
page 90
Advisors - National Councils of Churches
H.E. Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Council of Christian Church Leaders of Iraq
Rev. Luiz Alberto Barbosa, Conselho Nacional de Igrejas Cristas do Brasil
Dr Bjorn Cedersjo, Christian Council of Sweden
Rev. Tara Curlewis, National Council of Churches in Australia
Rev. Bob Fyffe, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
Rev. Gomar Gultom, Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI)
Rev. Gary Harriott, Jamaica Council of Churches
Rev. Fredy Henning, Council of Christian Churches in Germany
Rev. Po Kam-cheong, Hong Kong Christian Council
Rev. Young-Ju Kim, National Council of Churches in Korea
Rev. Dr Michael Kinnamon, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA
Rev. Suzanne Mebre Matale, Council of Churches in Zambia
Rev. Kam Cheong Po, Hong Kong Christian Council
Rev. 0mulf Steen, Christian Council of Norway
Advisors - Specialized Ministries
Mr Roel Aalbersberg, Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation
Mr Christer Akesson, International Mission and Diakonia - Church of Sweden
Rev. Christoph Anders, Evangelisches Missionswerk in Deutschland
Ms Els-Marie Carlbacker, Mission Department - Mission Covenant Church of Sweden
Rev. John L. McCullough, Church World Service
Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki, United Evangelical Mission
Ms Susan M. Sanders, Wider Church Ministries - United Church of Christ
Observers
Mrs Berit Hagen Agoy, Church of Norway
Mr Jec Dan Borlado, ECHOS Commission
Mr Jac Franken, Protestant Church in the Netherlands
Rev. Dr David Gosling, Church of England
Rev. Dr Cristina Grenholm, Church of Sweden
Mr Albert Hengelaar, Christian Reformed Church in the Netherlands
Rev. loan Livius Jebelean, Christkatholische Kirche der Schweiz
Rev. Dr Clifton Kirkpatrick, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Mr Nikos Kosmidis, ECHOS Commission
Prof. Dr Dimitra Koukoura, Global Christian Forum
Ms Natalie Maxson, United Church of Canada
Bishop Donald J. Mccoid, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Kristin Molander, Church of Sweden
Rev. Sayam Muangsak , Church of Christ in Thailand
OKR Rev. Jens Nieper, EKD-Evangelisch-Lutherische Landeskirche Hannovers
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 91
Mr Dirk Rademacher, Evangelical Church in Germany
Mrs Liz Rose, Protestant Methodist Church of Benin
Dr Marcelo Schneider, Igreja Evangelica de Confissao Luterana no Brasil
Rev. Dr Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr., United Methodist Church
Dr Jorgen Skov Sorensen, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark
Rev. Prof. Dr Christoph Stuckelberger, Schweizerischer Evangelischer Kirchenbund
Rev. Dr Solomon Sule-Saa, Presbyterian Church of Ghana
Dr Jill Tabart, Uniting Church in Australia
Mr Hubert van Beek, Global Christian Forum
Guests
H.H. Patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East in the World Mar Addai II, Assyrian
Church of the East
Rev. Yousif Al-Saka, Presbyterian Church of Baghdad
Ms Roberta Bacic, IEPC Consultant
Fr Nadheer Dako Danha Dako, Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq
H.E. Archbishop Severius Hawa, Syrian Orthodox Church in Iraq
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, Methodist Church in Kenya
Dr Sarojini Nadar, Bible Study Coordinator
Rev. Garland Pierce, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland Kirchenamt der EKD
H.E. Archbishop Jean Sleiman, Latin Church in Iraq
H.E. Archbishop Georgis Sliwa, Diocese of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church
of the East
Ms Deborah Stockdale, IEPC Consultant
Mr Zeferino Teka, Bible Study Coordinator
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 92
22 Appendix II - Committees
Finance Committee
Dean Anders Gadegaard (moderator)
Bishop Ivan Manuel Abrahams
Rev. Dr Festus A. Asana
Rev. Sofia Camnerin
Bishop Dr Ioannis of Thermopylae
Rev. Dr Sint Kimhachandra
Mrs Ming-Min (Nancy) Lin Cheng
Ms Omowunmi Iyabobe Oyekola
Mr Carlos Pena
Dr Agedew Redie
Bishop Taranath S. Sagar
Bishop Martin Schindehutte
Ms Outi Vasko
A dvisors/Observers
Mr Alan Bittiner
Rev. Dr Cristina Grenholm
Rev. Prof. David Thompson
Fundraising Advisory Group
The group will focus on the WCC’s fundraising strategy and bring its proposals for
recommendation to the finance committee.
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian (moderator)
Mrs Jeannette Akissi Aneye
Rev. Frank Schurer-Behrmann
Ms Kristyna Mlynkova
H.E. Archbishop Markarios of Kenya and
Irinoupolis
Rev. Dr Ofelia Ortega-Suarez
Rev. Hector Osvaldo Petrecca
Rev. Dr Larry Pickens
Nominations Committee
Bishop Samuel Robert Azariah (moderator)
Dr Evelyn Parker (rapporteur)
Rev. Aaro Rytkonen (rapporteur)
Justice Sophia O.A. Adinyira
Mrs Paula Devejian
Rev. Fr George Dimas
Bishop Peter Gancs
Archpriest Mikhail Gundyaev
Bishop Dr Martin Hermann Hein
Mrs Pati Kyafa
Mag. Emanuela Larentzakis
Mr Graham Gerald McGeoch
Ms Peggy Adeline Mekel
Rev. Dr Wakseyoum Idosa Negeri
Dr Audeh B. Quawas
Rev. Gretchen Schoon-Tanis
Rev. Dr Michael Tita
Rev. Dr Robert K. Welsh
H.G. Bishop Georges T. Daniel
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 93
Policy Reference Committee
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian (moderator)
Ms Alison Jane Preston (rapporteur)
Rev. Motoe Yamada (rapporteur)
Rev. Kjetil Aano
Most Rev. Robert Aboagye-Mensah
Ms Terauango Beneteri
H.E. Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta
Rev. Heike Bosien
Rev. Dr Paul Gardner
Archimandrite Prof. Dr Job Getcha
Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul
Ms Sarah Harte
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse
Bishop Nikolaos Hyka
Rev. Micheline Kamba Kasongo
Rev. Canon Nangula E. Kathindi
Rev. Leonard Tegwende Kinda
Rev. Deacon Theodoros Meimaris
Rev. Antonio Pedro Malungo
Dr Soritua Albert Ernst Nababan
Rev. I. Made Priana
Bishop Sharon Rader
Rev. Javier Rojas Teran
Mr Anthony Row
H.E. Metropolitan Dr Vasilios of
Constantia-Ammochostos
Bishop Dr John Franklin White
Rev. Robina Winbush
Public Issues Committee
Dr Agnes Abuom (moderator)
Rev. William Ingram (rapporteur)
H.E. Damascinso Mansour of Brazil
Rev. James Lagos Alexander
Rev. Dr Judy Angleberger
H.E. Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina
Rev. Dr Moiseraele Prince Dibeela
Rt Rev. Dr Peter Forster
Mrs Anita Henslin
H.G. Irinej of Australia and New Zealand
A dvisors/Observers
Mrs Berit Hagen Agoy
Rev. Luiz Alberto Barbosa
Bishop Heinrich Bolleter
Rev. Fr Gosbert Byamungu
Dr Bjorn Cedersjo
Dr George H. Freeman
Rev. Bob Fyffe
Rev. Roger Gaikwad
Rev. Gomar Gultom
Rev. Prof. Dr Viorel Ionita
Rev. loan Livius Jebelean
Dr Kathryn L. Johnson
Rev. Dr Andre Karamaga
Rev. Young- Ju Kim
Prof. Dr Dimitra Koukoura
Rev. Jennifer S. Leath
Rev. Nicta Lubaale Makiika
Bishop Donald J. McCoid
Ms Kristin Molander
Rev. Sayam Muangsak
Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi
Rev. Kam Cheong Po
Rev. Terrie Robinson
Prof. Janet Scott
Rev. 0mulf Steen
Archbishop Michael Kehinde Stephen
Mr Hubert van Beek
Rev. Dr Douwe Visser
Rev. W.P. Ebenezer Joseph
Ms Carmencita Karagdag
Rev. Prof. Renta Nishihara
Rev. Dr Sarah Rogers
Rev. Lindsey Heather Sanderson
Archpriest Dmitry Sizonenko
Rev. Hnoija Jean Wete
Rev. Dr Andreas Yewangoe
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 94
Advisors/Observers
Rev. Tara Curlewis
Mr Caesar D’Mello
Rev. Dr David Gosling
Ms Beris Gwynne
Dr John Graz
Programme Committee
Dr David Robin Goodboum (acting
moderator)
Fr Heikki Huttunen (rapporteur)
Rev. Jaoyuan Bao
Ms Christina Biere
Rev. Dr Martin Hirzel
Rev. John Jillions
Rev. Sanele Faasua Lavatai
Bishop Carlos Lopez-Lozano
Prof. Dr Georgios Martzelos
Bishop Dr Owdenburg Moses Mdegella
Mrs Marie-Christine Michau
Jane Mutoro
Dr Magali Nascimento Cunha
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Nifon of
Targoviste
Rev. Prof. Dr Seong-Won Park
Dr Mindawati Perangin-angin
Bishop Simo Peura
Bishop Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos
Rev. Lala Rasendrahasina
H.E. Metropolitan Mor Eustathius Matta
Roham
Ms Iveta Starcova
Rev. Alexander Vasyutin
Archbishop Dr Joris Vercammen
Archbishop Anders Wejryd
Rev. Dr Martin Junge
Lt. Colonel Richard Munn
OKR Rev. Jens Nieper
Ms Seta Margossian-Hadeshian
Ms Susan M. Sanders
Dr Jorgen Skov Sorensen
Advisors/Observers
Mr Roel Aalbersberg
Mr Christer Akesson
Rev. Christoph Anders
Rev. Kjell Magne Bondevik
Ms Els-Marie Carlbacker
Rev. Dr Meehyun Chung
Bishop Dr Geevarghese Mor Coorilos
Ms Catharina Covolo
Rev. Collin Isaiah Cowan
Dr Johan Vilhelm Eltvick
Ms Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda
Mrs Catherine Gyarmathy-Amherd
Rev. Gary Harriott
Rev. Fredy Henning
Ms Christine Housel
Rev. Celestin Gbeliho Kiki
Mr Oliver Martin
Rev. Chandran Paul Martin
Rev. Suzanne Mebre Matale
Rev. John L. McCullough
Ms Irene Banda Mutalima
Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki
Mr John Nduna
Prof Isabel Apawo Phiri
Deaconess Terttu Kyllikki Pohjolainen
Mr Peter Prove
Ms Mary Siamanda Siameto
Rev. Dr Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr.
Rev. Prof. Dr Christoph Stiickelberger
Rev. Jorgen Thomsen
Mr Robert W. F. van Drimmelen
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 95
Communications Advisory Group
The group will report directly back to the central committee.
Rev. Carmen Lansdowne (moderator)
Rev. Gregor Henderson (rapporteur)
Rev. Rothangliani R. Chhangte
Pastor Carlos Duarte Voelker
Ms Hae-Sun Jung
Ms Kathryn Lohre
Ms Marloes Keller
Rev. Dr Elisee Musemakweli
Mrs Margareta Nelyubova
Rev. Dr Tyronne Pitts
Rev. Dr Michael Tita
A dvisors/Observers
Rev. Karin Achtelstetter
Ecumenical Call To Just Peace
The group will focus on the Ecumenical Call to Just Peace and any other matters relating
to the IEPC and will bring its proposals for recommendation to the programme
committee.
Bishop Sally Dyck (moderator) Advisors/Observers
Rev. Dr Fernando Enns (rapporteur) Mr Dirk Rademacher
Dr Nora Bayarkdarian-Kabakian Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser
Rev. Dr Ying Gao
Rev. Dr Kondothra M. George
Mr Itayi Ndudzo
Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi
Governance Review Continuation Group
The group will meet on Sunday, receive input from other committees as well as from
individual members of the central committee and will prepare a report which will be
presented to the plenary of the central committee for action.
Archbishop Dr Joris Vercammen
(moderator)
Mrs Paula Devejian (rapporteur)
Justice Sophia O.A. Adinyira
Dr David Robin Goodboum
Rev. Dr Ying Gao
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-
Ririmasse
Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul
Bishop Taranath S. Sagar
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
Advisors/Observers
Mr Roel Aalbersberg
Rev. Dr Clifton Kirkpatrick
Mrs Arja Birgitta Rantakari
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 96
23 Appendix III - Final report of the governance review
CONTINUATION GROUP
1 Part I - Background
Introduction
1 . 1 The governance review continuation group, established by the executive
committee in December 2009 on the instruction of the 2009 central committee, is
pleased to make this substantial report to the central committee on proposals for
governance of the World Council of Churches, as churches seek to live the
fellowship and strengthen the ecumenical movement in the 2 1 st century.
1.2 We, the members of the group, have deliberated at length and consulted widely
to come to the proposals that will be found in this report. We believe these
proposals are faithful to the remit given to the governance review continuation
group by the central committee to propose structural models for the Council that
are “profound, affordable and flexible” and that will enable the Council to live
out the vision for its life described so well in the Common Understanding and
Vision.
1 .3 We bring three sets of proposals to the 201 1 meeting of the central committee:
1.3.1 Proposals for a basic approach for a three-tier structure with clear differentiation
of roles between living the fellowship and running the organization and between
governance and management.
1.3.2 Proposals for “eleven pillars” on which a new governance structure needs to be
built. These eleven pillars are the foundational policies concerning structure that
will re-shape the work of the WCC. They will be the basis for changes in the
constitution and the rules that will need to be developed and approved by the
2012 meeting of the central committee and by the assembly.
1 .3.3 Proposal to appoint a committee to translate the action on the eleven pillars into
specific constitutional provisions and rules, to bring proposals related to
committees and commissions and to consider how to implement the new
structure.
1 .4 In addition, we are forwarding the following proposals to other appropriate
committees:
1 .4. 1 Proposals responsive to our mandate forwarded to the personnel committee
related to WCC staff and the general secretary. The personnel committee will
consider these proposals and bring forward to the central committee actions they
deem appropriate in these areas.
1.4.2 Proposal forwarded to the finance committee concerning the authority to sign
audited financial reports. The finance committee will consider this proposal and
bring forward to the central committee actions they deem appropriate in this area.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 97
The changing ecumenical landscape and the need for change
1 .5 Our group may be entitled “governance review”, but our task has not been
simply to tinker with structures. Nor has it been about managing decline. Rather,
we have drawn upon the wisdom of the CUV, including as the CUV was
elaborated in the Report of the Special Commission on Orthodox Participation in
the WCC, and have suggested changes to the governance structures of the WCC
that will better allow the churches to realise the fullness of the CUV, to work
together to fulfil their common calling, engage with one another and live the
fellowship. We also offer ways to shape the WCC’s life so it can respond to a
changing ecumenical scene and can run itself in ways that are both frugal and
leave as light as possible a footprint on the planet. These proposals will change
governance, often in quite a radical way, but they always have to be judged by
how far they free the WCC to be what it is intended to be: a fellowship of
churches concerned to work towards visible unity and to foster and support the
one ecumenical movement. The approach of the general secretary - in focusing
on work where the WCC adds unique value, in seeking to fulfil clear goals and in
careful husbanding of resources - has been fully consistent with our outlook.
1 .6 Our report to this central committee needs to be seen in context. The group first
reported to the 2009 central committee, where we focused on two sets of
distinctions: those between living the fellowship and running the organisation,
and those between governance and management. The broad thrust of our work
was affirmed. Our group was augmented with fuller representation from the
global South, and the insights these colleagues have brought have played a major
role in shaping these proposals. Finally, we were asked to undertake a process of
consultation with the churches and with others involved in the ecumenical
movement, and we have done that.
1 .7 That process of consultation continued until the end of 2010. The main method
has been for the general secretary to engage with groups of church
representatives at occasions where they were already drawn together, whether
confessionally, regionally or in some other way. They have included
• The Christian Council of Asia assembly
• The Edinburgh Centennial
• The WARC-REC uniting council
• The Lutheran World Federation assembly
• The Ecumenical Officers meeting
• The Joint Consultative Committee with Christian world communions
• A meeting with Cardinal Kasper and Bishop Farrell in the offices of the
Pontifical Council Promoting Christian Unity
• A meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch
• A meeting with representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church
• The Permanent Committee on Consensus and Collaboration
• The U.S. Conference on the World Council of Churches/National Council of
Churches in the USA
• The General Committee of the All Africa Conference of Churches
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 98
• Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions
1.8 These meetings have been supplemented by a questionnaire to which thirty eight
responses have so far been received, representing a broad range of traditions and
regions. The feedback has been an encouraging endorsement of the broad
approach outlined at last year’s central committee and has helped considerably
with the detail. Among the messages coming through strongly have been:
affirmation for a lighter, more flexible governance structure; a strong desire to
see the work of the commissions - and particularly of faith and order - more
central to the life of the fellowship and to the work of central committee; and a
general affirmation of the group’s analysis of the context and opportunities for
the WCC to live out its calling to be a fellowship of churches and therefore a
privileged instrument of the ecumenical movement. At the same time we heard
reluctance to see a rotational approach applied to the successor body of the
central committee and a concern not to lose the value of relationship and the full
inclusion of diversity as we seek to build a more efficient and cost effective
structure. Both the affirmations and concerns expressed through these
consultations have played a major role in shaping the proposals that are being
brought to the central committee.
2 Part II - Context
The ecumenical and global context
2.1
2.2
2.3
The world and the churches have changed significantly since the WCC was
founded in August 1948; WCC governance structures have remained the same.
Any changes to those structures need to respond to the changes in the ecumenical
and global context.
Our own reflections and the feedback from the consultation process have led us
to identify a number of positive changes:
• the “CUV” process seeking a Common Understanding and Vision of the
WCC, its affirmation of the Council’s key role in sustaining fellowship and
• the work of the Special Commission on Orthodox Participation in the WWC
and the consequent shift to an ethos of consensus ;
• the growth of Christianity in the global south, the changing ecclesial
landscape and new ecumenical initiatives emerging in this context such as
the Global Christian Forum;
• new ways of expressing the strength and potential of the fellowship , with the
WCC building on initiatives by member churches and ecumenical partners
and the many ways they cooperate;
• the increasing prominence being given to the WCC’s role in fostering
coherence and strategic leadership within the one ecumenical movement;
... a number of challenges that require us to think differently:
• evidence that Christian groupings that would once have stood aloof from the
WCC want to be in relationship with it, and need structures that will make
that possible;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 99
2.4
2.5
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
• the growing multiplicity of ecumenical actors who, like the ACT Alliance,
are now carrying out roles that used to be the responsibility of the WCC;
• a changing paradigm in North-South relationships , where power and
influence are changing, and the lines between rich and poor begin to run
within countries as much as between them;
• rising economic power of “middle income ” countries like China, India and
Brazil, suggesting a long-term realignment of where the world’s wealth will
be located;
• decline of the membership and financial strength of the churches in western
Europe, leading to a decline in WCC income and in the capacity of the
Churches themselves;
• serious divisions between and within churches on moral and ethical issues,
in particular on issues related to human sexuality and gender;
• the implications of a growing religious pluralism in all parts of the world;
. . . and a number of global issues to which we need to make serious response:
• the serious consequences of climate change : the carbon footprint of
governance meetings, consultative and other encounters, as well as staff
travel that should be considered in any evaluation of the WCC’s institutional
culture;
• the financial and economic crisis that has affected millions of people around
the globe and practically all member churches and partner ecumenical
organizations as well as the WCC;
• the changing global context of a diverse and multi-polar world and the
search for common values, which intensifies the perception of divisions
among Christians and among people of various religions; and
• development of modern communication technology , permitting meeting of
minds without meetings of bodies.
This is a long list. Its immediate impact on the WCC suggests the need for:
An emphasis on both deepening the fellowship of churches and facilitating and
supporting other actors in the ecumenical movement that are no longer or have
never been part of the WCC’s institutional structure;
A way of working that uses money wisely and expects a future in which funding
core work of the WCC will be increasingly difficult;
A forum where genuine debate on theological, moral and ethical issues can take
place in an attitude of openness and genuine encounter, where participants can
speak honestly to one another and without pretence;
An organisation that is much less dependent on money from the global North
than it once was, and where each church shoulders its responsibilities for what
we agree we should do together;
A way of working that is kind to the environment, bringing people together
physically only when it is really necessary and making maximum use of new
technology; and
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 100
2.5.6 Sensitivity to the trends in some traditions that lead to a lack of trust in the
ecumenical movement.
The role of the WCC
2.6 The deepened emphasis on the WCC as a fellowship of churches helps to clarify
the common goals. The WCC is a council of churches, celebrating God’s grace to
the ecumenical movement, sharing the pursuit of visible unity, deepening the
fellowship and enabling the churches to speak together. If at times some have
seen it as an NGO primarily running programmatic activities, they mistook a way
of working, appropriate for the time and circumstances, for its essence. At heart
the WCC is an expression of the churches together, exercising a ministry of
enablement and strategic leadership. In carrying out that ministry its instruments
- staff and others - and its programmes work to support the whole ecumenical
movement and do so, in pursuit of unity, in partnership with others. To fulfil this
role, the WCC:
2.6.1 convenes, gathering those from the churches and elsewhere with a common task
or potential, to enable them to connect, share and work together;
2.6.2 initiates work that is strategically important for the churches, working in
collaboration with partners and churches;
2.6.3 provides the potential for a common voice of the churches worldwide;
2.6.4 ensures ecumenical cooperation, offering accompaniment to churches in a spirit
of solidarity and mutual accountability; and
2.6.5 fosters greater coherence in the ecumenical movement.
2.7 In arguing for these roles, we wish also to affirm the four historic streams in the
life of the WCC: faith and order; life and work; mission and evangelism; and
education. We say more about this in section 3.3.1, but we feel it is a significant
point, that has been widely welcomed in the consultation process.
2.8 The design we now offer is intended to enable the WCC to better fulfil these
roles. It reflects the distinctions broadly endorsed at last central committee and
builds on the diagram used there.
2.9 In this proposed new shape, the WCC remains a three-tier organisation, but with
the role of the tiers redesigned. At the top is the assembly, with roles and powers
largely similar to those it exercises today. Next comes the renamed WCC central
committee. Although a continuation of the present central committee, it is
different enough in role and function to require a new name and a new
understanding. (We are suggesting the name “WCC Conference” as will be
suggested in our further recommendations.) At the bottom comes the executive
committee.
2. 10 While making these proposals for change we want to hold firm to some well-
established principles regarding balances. These include the balance between
confessional families and between families of large and small churches. They
also include the balance of representation from the different regions of the world.
And they include ratios of male and female, lay and ordained, and the special
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febmary 2011
page 101
Living the fellowship I Governance
Reflecting the ecumenical movement l
WCC Assembly
Central committee
(to be renamed)
w#' Appoints
«— ► Reports to
Living the fellowship
Governance
Management
a>
o
c
05
C
Vim
<1)
>
O
O
c
a>
E
a>
O)
05
c
<0
provision that is made to ensure young people, people with disabilities and
indigenous people are properly represented. We did consider the extent to which
these principles inhibit the participation of some church leaders in the life of the
council, but concluded that there are other ways in which the WCC can, as one of
its activities, convene meetings of church leaders without the need to sacrifice the
principle of balance within its formal structures.
2.11 Similarly, we want to hold to the present practice that central committee is
elected from among those who are members of assembly, since it is important
that those who will share its life should have experienced and understood the
process by which assembly has defined the broad directions the WCC should
take.
Recommendation: That the central committee affirm the basic directions outlined above
as the foundational building blocks for structural change, namely:
• finding a balance between “living the fellowship” and running the organisation;
• the basic three tier structure of the assembly, the renamed central committee and
the executive committee;
• emphasising the place and role of the four historic streams of the ecumenical
movement in the life of the council; and
• clarifying the distinction and relationship between management and governance.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 102
3 Part III - Proposals
In this part of our report, we outline the concrete proposals we are making to implement
the principles described in part 2. There are eleven recommendations, following on from
the principles already enunciated. Under several, however, there might be more than one
solution, so for these we are seeking the central committee’s guidance to know which to
choose. We have a preferred option, and indicate clearly what it is and why we prefer it,
but we recognise that choosing another does not negate the major recommendation itself.
3 . 1 Proposal 1 : The central committee (which we propose to rename) should
understand itself primarily as an expression of the fellowship of churches within
the context of the wider ecumenical movement. Its principal task is to seek to
discern the will of God for the churches together and for God’s world, and to
enable the various actors within the ecumenical movement to respond effectively.
3.1.1 We see this change as a way of expressing the insights of the Common
Understanding and Vision process discussed in part 2 of this report. “Living the
fellowship” and “running the organisation” are both important, but the former
takes precedence. Hence the main regular meeting within the WCC’s life should
put its main focus there.
3.1.2 In consequence, the principal concerns would be: the life of the churches; the life
of God’s world; and the churches’ common call to discern the will of God. For
that it would need theological and spiritual depth, coupled with penetrating
analysis. Its concern for the institutional life of the WCC would be limited but
crucial. Where the present central committee spends the great majority of its time
and effort on the institutional life of the WCC, its successor would spend much
less of its time that way.
3.2 Proposal 2: In order to fulfil its role within the wider ecumenical movement, it
needs to be made clear that the renamed central committee is primarily
representative of the churches, whilst also making space for representatives of
non-member churches and other ecumenical bodies.
3.2.1 Within the understanding of the WCC with which we have worked, it is more
important than ever that non-member churches and other ecumenical bodies
should continue to be present, as has long been the case. These include the
Roman Catholic Church, the non-member Pentecostal and evangelical churches,
the confessional bodies, the national and regional ecumenical organisations, the
specialised ministries and many others. Crucial among them is the ACT Alliance,
itself a means by which much of the WCC’s responsibility for diaconal work is
carried out (and also the means by which the specialised ministries are
represented).
3.2.2 We considered, but rejected, recommending giving these other ecumenical
bodies a number of full places. In favour of that proposal was that it gave a
message of inclusiveness; they weren’t just guests at the feast but full
participants. Against it was the danger that it confused the identity of the WCC as
a council of churches, and that it would, in any case, make little real difference
given the way that consensus decision-making operates, where only the very
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 103
final stage is reserved for members. Occasions for formal decision-making are
likely to be few, given the nature of the proposed agenda.
3.2.3 The need to maintain the WCC as a fellowship of churches was strongly stressed
in the feedback from the consultation process. Our proposal, then, is that certain
representatives of the wider ecumenical movement be given a distinctive form of
belonging as delegated representatives. Delegated representatives would be
chosen, with an element of rotation, by their own constituencies: REOs, NCCs,
world communions and other bodies. Others from these bodies would be
welcome to attend as non-participating observers, able to speak only if
specifically invited to do so by the moderator. The overall size of the body may
change over time, but whatever its size it is our proposal that elected members
should always out-number delegated representatives by at least two to one.
3.2.4 The intention is to make the representatives of the wider ecumenical movement
feel welcome, and to minimise the amount of time spent in decision sessions
when, except when given special permission to speak by the moderator,
delegated representatives cannot participate. Nevertheless, certain key
governance functions would be retained for elected members only:
• to elect the executive committee and hold it accountable;
• to elect the general secretary;
• to make and revise rules;
• to appoint commissions and advisory bodies, and adopt their by-laws; and
• to handle membership matters.
3.3 Proposal 3: The renamed central committee should restructure how it spends its
time to give more space for such discernment, and in particular more space for
the four historic strands from which it grew: faith and order, life and work,
mission and evangelism, and education.
3.3.1 We wish to affirm the four historic streams in the life of the WCC: faith and
order; life and work; mission and evangelism; and education. We asked ourselves
whether, if the WCC was being formed today, rather than in the middle of the
last century, these would still be the major emphases. We thought some would be
expressed differently. Interfaith relations would now figure highly. The role of
young people would now be stressed in ways it was not in 1948. Perhaps
technology would also be given a strong place. But it seems to us these are new
emphases within the historic streams, not alternatives to them. So in our thinking
we wish to heighten the visibility of these streams, ensuring that each is lifted up
in the way the WCC does its work. We expect them to take different directions
from those followed in 1948. We expect other themes to stand alongside them,
including many that have become crucial to the council’s work. But we don’t
think they have been superseded.
3.3.2 The main roles of the renamed central committee, then, would be:
3.3.2. 1 To identify and sustain, in harmony with the directions set by the assembly,
the key priorities and emphases for the WCC to pursue;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 104
3. 3. 2. 2 To gather influences and perspectives from among the churches and from
within the broader ecumenical movement, seeking to understand how the
action of God in today’s world is being discerned and understood;
3. 3. 2. 3 To focus regularly on each of the four major historic streams, as expressed
by and as reflected in the life of the commissions and advisory groups -
commissions would no longer report through a programme committee;
instead they would shape major sections of the successor to the central
committee’s life;
3. 3. 2.4 To deepen the members’ understanding of one another’s churches and
traditions;
3. 3. 2. 5 To engage together in responding to the urgent issues in today’s world,
seeking to form and express a common mind;
3. 3. 2. 6 To celebrate together the unity we have in Christ and to pray for deeper
unity; and
33.2.1 To challenge one another in full and honest encounter, not flinching from the
neuralgic points in the churches’ relationships with one another.
3.3.3 In our view, this range of activities makes far better use of the impressive
diversity of talent gathered in an existing central committee. By bringing
theologians and administrators, activists and spiritual thinkers together, it
contributes to the coherence of the ecumenical movement, and enables each to
make their own distinctive contribution but without operating in silos that
prevent genuine encounter. It has the potential to be an immensely exciting,
creative and fruitful event - one that will become unmissable - and should prove
deeply satisfying.
3.4 Proposal 4: To give effect to a renewed awareness of itself as a forum for
discernment, debate, challenge and prophecy, central committee should adopt a
name for its successor less associated with governance and more with the taking
of mutual counsel, such as the WCC Conference.
3.4.1 The term “central committee” emphasises governance. Governance is what
committees do. It is also a title that in some cultures seems anachronistic and
outdated. To reflect the change in emphasis described above, we feel a new title
is needed.
3.4.2 Our first thought was perhaps to use the word “council”, since it is the body that
should put the counsel into the council, but we recognise that term has
ecclesiological resonances for some that would make it inappropriate. We
considered the term “Conference”, since it will be a place where the churches
confer. Used on its own, that term is too closely associated with one tradition -
Methodism - where Conference is a governance body. We also know from the
consultation that there are places where the term has been purloined by just one
theological tradition. Our preferred solution is to use the word “conference” but
to link it always with the WCC to make it “WCC Conference”. The word
“conference” would be the title in English; care would need to be taken to find
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 105
the appropriate word in other languages. Central committee’s guidance is sought
on the title.
3.4.3 For purposes of illustration, draft rules for a “WCC Conference” embodying
proposals 1-4 are attached at annex 2. Central committee is not being asked to
discuss or approve these rules at this stage. If the proposal is passed, the draft
rules will be forwarded to a group charged with constitutional and rules revision,
so they can be developed in ways that reflect advice given by central committee.
In a final proposed form they will then be brought to the next meeting of central
committee.
3.5 Proposal 5: Apart from certain high level governance functions, responsibility
for governing the organisational side of the WCC - its finance, resource,
programme and personnel policies - should be with the executive committee.
The executive committee and the general secretary would each remain
accountable to the renamed central committee.
3.5.1 One element of our proposals that the consultation process has clearly affirmed is
that the executive committee would become the body where most governance
functions for the WCC as an institution are lodged. We stress “as an institution”,
because the crucial role of providing the forum where the churches together seek
God’s will, endeavour to reach a common voice and identify the priorities for
their engagement in the ecumenical movement, sits with the renamed central
committee. The life of the council rests with the renamed central committee;
running the WCC organisation rests with the executive committee and the
general secretary.
3.5.2 The executive committee would meet normally twice per year. The executive
committee would be entrusted with broad governance authority and
responsibility, including (but not limited to) resources, personnel policy and
programme oversight, and authority to establish the limits and guidelines within
which management and staff work.
3.5.3 The role currently played by the programme committee core group would
transfer to the programme sub-committee of the executive committee. Finance
and personnel sub-committees of the executive committee have already been
established, as agreed at the previous central committee.
3.5.4 We propose that five of the seats on the executive committee be specifically
reserved for people at the heart of each of the four historical streams: five, not
four, because in the Life and Work strand both international affairs and the ACT
Alliance would need to be represented.
3.5.5 For purposes of illustration, draft rules for an executive committee embodying
these proposals are attached at Annex 3. Central committee is not being asked to
discuss or approve these rules at this stage. If the proposal is passed, the draft
rules will be forwarded to a group charged with constitutional and rules revision,
so they can be developed in ways that reflect advice given by central committee.
In a final proposed form they will then be brought to the next meeting of central
committee.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Feh'uary 2011
page 106
3.6 Proposal 6: There should be a new pattern of meetings, where the assembly
meets every eight years, the renamed central committee every two years and the
executive committee twice per year.
3.6. 1 Our proposal leaves with the assembly its power to shape the broad thrust of
WCC work for the years that follow, and to elect the renamed central committee.
The wider nature of the assembly has been explored by the assembly discernment
committee, whose perspective is being implemented by the assembly planning
group. We are, however, proposing a change in the frequency of assemblies from
seven years to eight.
3.6.2 The renamed central committee would meet during the assembly at which it is
elected and then in the following year. Thereafter it would meet for one week
every two years. The reduction in size, length and frequency of meetings would
save approximately 50% when compared with the present cost of central
committee - which currently costs the council CHF 700,000 each time (not
counting what it also costs the churches that pay the expenses of their own
delegates, nor the demands on staff time).
3.6.3 The change to a meeting every two years for the renamed central committee was
broadly supported in the consultation process. The WCC could not afford the
cost of an annual meeting, while the present eighteen month interval is awkward
to manage. The need to tread lightly on the earth suggests meetings should be no
more frequent than necessary.
3.6.4 These changes would then produce a timetable as follows:
2013 Assembly. Renamed central committee also meets within the assembly.
2014 Renamed central committee
2016 Renamed central committee
2018 Renamed central committee
2020 Renamed central committee
2021 Assembly
Central committee’s comments are sought on this proposed timetable.
3.7 Proposal 7: The renamed central committee and the new executive committee
should both be smaller than at present. The renamed central committee should
have 100 members plus 50 delegated observers. The new executive committee
would have 20 members. Membership of the executive committee would include
an element of rotation.
3.7.1 The argument for a smaller central committee has been largely accepted by those
participating in the consultation process. The argument comprises elements of
both financial and ecological responsibility, together with consideration of the
most efficient size for carrying out the tasks to be done. As the report of the
governance review group to the last central committee pointed out, judging the
size of any body within a governance structure needs a balance of representivity
and efficiency: the higher the level of governance, the more significant it is to be
as representative as possible; the more detailed the level of governance, the more
the efficiency of small numbers takes priority.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 107
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.3. 1
3. 7. 3.2
3. 7.3. 3
3. 7. 3.4
The renamed central committee would be the key regular gathering point for
representatives of the churches and the wider ecumenical movement. Where the
present central committee comprises roughly 150 members plus often an equal
number of advisers, we propose a reduction in size. Our original preference is for
a reduction to 100 members plus 50 delegated representatives, though as reported
below the consultation process has tended to favour 120 members plus 50
delegated representatives. A smaller membership takes seriously the need to
husband resources and tread lightly on the planet. Fewer than 100, however,
would be too few adequately to represent the diversity of the churches or the
other balances the WCC seeks to maintain. Replacing the open invitation to large
numbers of advisers with a smaller representative group contributes to the same
ends - and ensures that the weight in discussion always lies with the churches.
Members of the renamed central committee would be elected by the assembly
and delegated representatives would be nominated by their constituencies for
election by the assembly.
Whereas the reduction in the frequency and length of meetings is, we would
argue, entirely justified by the change in role, this reduction in numbers is more
challenging. It does mean that we are likely to move from a situation where at
present 122 of our member churches are represented in the present central
committee to one where perhaps as few as 80 (if 100 members) or 97 (if 120
members) might be. Our first response was to suggest some form of WCC-
organised rotation, but it was clear from the consultation process that this would
not be acceptable to the membership. Our proposal then is that:
It should be clear that each representative will normally represent more than
one church, and will have a responsibility to be a living link with more than
one church;
WCC should encourage, but not organise, groupings of churches that might
themselves agree on nominations. In some areas these might be
geographical. Both the Nordic countries and Britain and Ireland already
operate such arrangements. For others they might be confessional (as they
already are for the Orthodox churches), perhaps mediated through a
Christian world communion. For yet others they might be groups of
churches with a common characteristic in their theology or approach to
mission. It would be understood that the nominations committee would give
significant weight to such nominations;
The assembly nominations committee should receive nominations well
ahead of the assembly, allowing adequate time to negotiate an appropriate
balance; and
When a member of renamed central committee resigns, dies or leaves for
some other reason, the nominations committee should, after negotiation with
the appropriate constituency, bring a nomination to replace him or her, rather
than the specific church he or she represented having the right to fill the
vacant place.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febniary 2011
page 108
3.7.4 The consultation process has broadly affirmed a smaller successor to central
committee, though different numbers have been proposed. Perhaps the most
common has been around 120, which might mean 98 church representatives, 1
general secretary, 3 representatives of those smaller churches without the right to
vote at assembly, 8 presidents and ten representatives of the historic streams. The
illustrative draft rules for the renamed central committee at annex 2 provide for
this figure of 120.
3.7.5 The reasoning behind a small governance body was set out in our report to the
previous central committee, some sections of which are appended to this report.
We propose an executive committee of twenty members, including the moderator
and vice-moderators and five people representing the historic streams, one of
whom would represent ACT.
3.7.6 Whilst we concluded that a rotational system was inappropriate for the renamed
central committee, we are proposing a form of rotation for the executive
committee. Rotation is common in governance bodies of this kind, and allows for
both continuity and refreshment of the membership, whilst also facilitating
broader participation. If the principle of rotation is agreed, however, there are a
number of different ways it could be implemented.
3.7.7 Our preferred option is to adopt a policy as follows:
• The executive committee would be elected at assembly for four years, not
eight.
• At the second full meeting of the central committee (i.e. three years after
assembly) a new election for the whole executive committee, including
moderator and vice-moderators, would take place. Those elected would take
up office one year later.
• No one person would be eligible to serve on the executive committee for
more than three four-year terms.
• In bringing forward nominations for each four-year period, the nominations
committee would be asked to ensure that at least twenty five per cent of
those nominated would be new to the executive committee.
3.8 Proposal 8: The presidents should be seen as senior ecumenical leaders serving
the WCC and the ecumenical movement in their region and beyond, exercising a
role within the WCC structures, through their moral authority, as wise
counsellors.
3.8.1 There are three categories of people who hold constitutionally defined offices.
All involve aspects of leadership and responsibility, but they relate to different
roles within the conception of governance that underlies this report. The general
secretary’s leadership is through his role as chief executive, managing the staff
and other elements of the central resource. The moderator’s, assisted by the vice¬
moderators, is through attention to good governance. The presidents’ is related to
wise counsel.
3.8.2 We see the presidents as eminent ecumenists, chosen because of their standing in
their region and their deep comprehension of the ecumenical movement within
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 109
and beyond it. As such, they are respected advocates for the WCC. Their position
gives them a moral authority that enables them to hold a broad watching brief
over the life of the WCC, exercised through their place in the renamed central
committee, where they both challenge and encourage the council in keeping
faithful to its calling. In that context, their significance might be affirmed by their
presiding from time to time over hearing sessions.
3.9 Proposal 9: The moderator, assisted by the vice-moderator(s), should be
understood as the chief governance officer of the WCC, responsible for ensuring
that the machinery of governance works well and appropriately, and representing
the governing bodies in his/her relationship with the general secretary. The
general secretary should be seen as the chief executive officer, responsible for the
effective management of the WCC’s central resources.
3.9.1 Governance and management need to be kept distinct. Our proposals give
management responsibility - responsibility for ensuring that staff faithfully carry
out the policies of the WCC - to the general secretary and those to whom he
delegates elements of that responsibility. We provided the table below in our
previous report to illustrate the difference:
Governance
Management
Identity, vision and mission: identifying
what the organisation is and is for
Turning the strategic plan into
objectives and activities
Strategy: setting and reviewing the broad
strategic goals
Providing leadership, creativity
and drive to the life of the
organisation
Accountability: holding staff
accountable for what they do, ensuring
accountability to the broader
membership and ensuring the activities
remain true to the defined self¬
understanding and ethos
Proposing, controlling and
monitoring the budget
Resources: bringing together the human,
physical and financial resources the
organisation needs and ensuring they are
properly deployed
Deploying the available resources
efficiently and effectively
Compliance: ensuring that the
organisation behaves properly, obeys the
law and follows its own constitution and
rules
Communication both within the
organisation and outside it
Management of risk: assessing the risks
(including financial risks) the
organisation faces and ensuring there are
strategies in place to handle them
Fulfilling accountability to the
bodies responsible for governance
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febniary 2011
page 110
Appointment and management of the
most senior staff
Appointing and managing the
staff
3.9.2 The report of the governance group to the executive committee in December
2009 made clear that the general secretary carries the principal responsibility for
the management of the WCC as an organisation. Just as we want to devolve
responsibilities from the present central committee to the executive committee,
so we see the executive committee shedding management roles it and other
committees currently play and passing these to the general secretary. We want to
stress, however, that we see the general secretary as fulfilling three main roles of
which this is only one. He or she is first of all a leader of the ecumenical
movement, employed by the WCC to lead and facilitate the ecumenical
movement as a whole. Secondly, the general secretary is a worker with the
churches, moving among and between them, networking, embodying the support
that each has for the other, helping them listen to one another and find their
common voice. Management of the WCC organisation comes third, because it is
largely delegatable: the responsibility and accountability remain the general
secretary’s but the roles can mostly be assigned to his or her deputies. It was for
that reason that the earlier report called on the new general secretary to show
how his management could be done in ways that did not impede the roles he
alone could fill.
3.9.3 We recognise some anomalies in the present arrangements for the appointment
and reappointment of general secretaries that our proposals would only intensify.
At present, in order to meet the rules regarding reappointment, a new general
secretary has to decide after only three years in office whether he is willing to
accept reappointment. Our proposal would be that:
• a general secretary’s term, whenever begun, should always encompass three
meetings of the renamed central committee;
• a general secretary’s term should always end at a meeting of the renamed
central committee; and
• initiating the process by which a search committee is established could be
undertaken by the executive committee, the renamed central committee
being consulted electronically when no meeting is due, to avoid the need to
wait for up to two years before action can begin.
3.10 Proposal 10: A new attitude should be taken to representivity. In an organisation
where not every church can be represented in any one body, the key measure
should be to ensure that all participate in at least one instrument of the council,
whether commission, committee, working group or the renamed central
committee. Where practicable, elements of rotation should permit greater
participation over time.
3.10.1 Even at present not all churches can be represented in central committee. With a
smaller body that will become more true. This issue as it affects the renamed
central committee is discussed in section 3.7.2. If, instead of looking at
representivity within any one body we look instead at participation in the overall
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 111
life of the WCC, the situation looks rather different. If the membership of
commissions, central committee and consultative groups is added together, even
allowing for some overlap, the total number of places is enough to ensure that
every church will be represented at some point in the WCC’s continuing life. We
anticipate future nominations committees being charged to make sure this is so.
3.10.2 We see being a representative, whether in the renamed central committee or in
another part of the WCC’s life, as something that extends well beyond meetings.
Use of new technology should enable networks of members to function, and we
propose a “job description” for representatives making clear their representative
function, both from and to the churches. Accountability is vital.
3.1 1 Proposal 11: The four historic streams should be given permanent representation
within both the renamed central committee and the executive committee, through
allocating two places in the renamed central committee and one place in the
executive committee to each of the following:
• Faith and Order
• World Mission and Evangelism
• Education and Ecumenical Formation
• Life and Work: international affairs
• Life and Work: ACT Alliance
3.11.1 We have built in to both the renamed central committee and executive committee
membership specific representation for the four historic streams within the WCC:
ten places at the renamed central committee and five at the executive committee.
Four of these places on the renamed central committee and two of those on the
executive committee would be for the Life and Work strand, half of these being
allocated to the ACT Alliance. The relevant bodies, in most cases commissions
of the WCC, would nominate to the relevant nominations committee, which
would in turn bring the names for election in the usual way.
3.1 1.2 We recognise the ACT Alliance as a special case. Its relationship with the WCC
is not that of a commission, and it is not part of the institutional life of the
council. It is, however, the means through which much of the WCC’s diaconal
responsibility is undertaken. It is important, through ACT, to keep the specialised
ministries at the family table. We are encouraged that ties between ACT and the
WCC are developing in a number of ways: WCC provides the chair for the
governing body of ACT, the proposal has been made that the two assemblies will
meet at the same time and place and the general secretary - as leader in the
ecumenical movement - is a key link between the two. Whilst it has differing
membership and a different decision-making style, it remains very much part of
the WCC family.
4 Part IV - Next steps
4. 1 The group that produced this report has done considerable work in preparing for
the rule changes and constitutional amendments that would be needed to
implement its proposals. Which versions of those rule changes will be needed,
and what precisely they will need to say, depends both on the acceptance by
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 112
central committee of the recommendations in this report, and the views it
expresses on the issues where the group has sought its guidance. We therefore
felt it better not to present these rule changes and constitutional amendments at
this point, but to do so at the next meeting of central committee. It is the
assembly that will need to adopt or endorse the great majority of these changes,
so the timing would be entirely appropriate. We have, however, for purposes of
illustration given drafts of the proposed rules for the renamed central committee
and for the executive committee. They can be found in annexes 2 and 3.
4.2 In order to prepare the final proposals for rule changes and constitutional
amendments, a group will need to take up the work already done and reshape it
in the light of the decisions of this central committee.
4.3 Our group has also done some financial analysis, exploring the costs and cost-
savings that the new structure would affect. Comparative figures can be found in
annex 4. These are being forwarded to the finance committee for its
consideration.
4.4 We affirm the move in recent years away from commissions being seen as
managing programme work and towards them being seen as themselves an
important locale for “living the fellowship” and resourcing the churches. They
also provide ecumenical space within which partnerships and alliances are
formed, and the theological thinking undergirding our work is probed.
4.5 We envisage an extended role for commissions in resourcing the meeting of the
renamed central committee and identifying for it key issues that need to be
addressed. Given that there are four main streams and four meetings of the
renamed central committee between each assembly, it is likely that each
commission could play a major role in shaping one meeting of the renamed
central committee between each assembly. Commissions should, in any case, be
invited to report direct to the renamed central committee and not through the
programme committee, as at present. Feedback from the consultation process has
demonstrated very clearly that the present arrangement is not seen as effective.
4.6 We considered linking commissions and the renamed central committee in other
ways - even the possibility of the latter being effectively the members of the
commissions meeting together, nominated through a process that identified them
both as suitable members of the renamed central committee and of one of the
commissions. For the present, we simply note that there is further work to be
done on the relationship.
Recommendation: A continuation group should be formed:
• to bring detailed rule changes implementing this report, as it may be revised by
central committee, to the 2012 meeting of the committee; and
• to take forward the work on commissions and advisory groups; together with any
other issues arising from the process of moving towards implementation of this
report.
World Council of Churches
( Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 113
24 Appendix IV - Permanent committee on consensus and
COLLABORATION
The Permanent Committee on Consensus and Collaboration (the “Permanent
Committee”), held its annual meeting in Moscow, Russia, hosted by the Russian Orthodox
Church, 30 June - 2 July 2010. Arrangements for the meeting were kindly made by the
Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate (DECR), under the
leadership of H.E. Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk. The committee, comprised of
fourteen members, continues the work of the Special Commission on Orthodox
Participation in the WCC (the “Special Commission”).
Participants
The committee was co-moderated by H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima
(Ecumenical Patriarchate) and the Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi (Province of the Anglican
Church of Burundi), and attended by members: Dr Agnes Abuom (Anglican Church in
Kenya), H.E. Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette (Coptic Orthodox Church), Dr Magali
Nascimento Cunha (Methodist Church in Brazil), Mrs Anne Glynn-Mackoul (Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East), H.G. Bishop Irinej of Australia and
New Zealand (Serbian Orthodox Church), Bishop Dr Martin Hermann Hein (Evangelical
Church in Germany), Dr Agedew Redie (Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church), Rev.
Graham Gerald McGeoch (Church of Scotland), H.E. Metropolitan Dr Nifon of
Targoviste (Romanian Orthodox Church) and General Minister and President Rev. Dr
Sharon Watkins (Christian Church [Disciples of Christ]). Apologies were received from
Bishop Samuel Robert Azariah (Church of Pakistan). The Very Rev. Archpriest Mikhail
Gundyaev participated in the work of the committee as substitute for H.E. Metropolitan
Hilarion of Volokolamsk (Russian Orthodox Church).
The committee welcomed the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC,
for the opening sessions, and as guest for the session related to the work of the
Commission on Faith and Order, Standing Commission member Rev. Dr Richard H.
Lowery. The work of the committee was facilitated by WCC staff Mr Georges
Lemopoulos, Rev. Dr Daniel Buda and by the Rev. Alexander Vasyutin, staff of the
DECR of the Moscow Patriarchate. The Rev. Dr Dagmar Heller presented the work of the
Commission on Faith and Order.
Setting
The Permanent Committee expressed its sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to H.H.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia for his generous hospitality and for the
opportunity to experience the ecclesial life of the Russian Orthodox Church. The work of
the committee was enriched by the historical location for its fourth meeting (third full
meeting), on the premises of the Danilov Monastery, founded in the 13th century. In 1983,
the monastery became the first to be returned to the Church by the Soviet government.
Following a major reconstruction project, the official residence of the Patriarch and the
offices of the DECR were transferred here.
During the meeting, the committee had the opportunity to meet with the V. Rev.
Hegoumen Philip Ryabykh, deputy chairman, and the staff of the DECR and
representatives of other churches and Christian communities in Russia. The committee
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Februaiy 2011
page 114
appreciated the hospitality extended by the representative of the Greek Orthodox
Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East to the Russian Orthodox Church, H.E. Archbishop
Nifon of Philipopolis, attended Vespers at the St. Nicholas Church at the Tretyakov
Gallery, and the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. They also had the
opportunity to tour several other historic and cultural sites in Moscow, learning firsthand
the re-emergence of the Orthodox Church in Russia and the construction and
reconstruction of so many churches, monasteries and church-related historical sites.
Opening Session
H.E. Metropolitan Hilarion extended the warm welcome and hospitality of the Russian
Orthodox Church to the committee during its work in Russia. In his remarks, related to
inter-Christian dialogue, the Metropolitan suggested a return to the legacy of the early
Church, found in the Apostolic times and in the expression lex orandi, lex credendi est
which defined the relationship between prayer and faith. He maintained that the current
trend towards the liberalization of moral norms and standards has opened a wide gap
between the Orthodox and their Protestant counterparts in the ecumenical movement,
making it difficult to speak a common language or find a shared standpoint: Christian
morality can only be based upon Holy Scripture and Church Tradition and cannot be
subject to shifting cultural context.
The Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, who had met H.H. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all
Russia during his official visit to the Russian Orthodox Church, joined the Permanent
Committee and expressed his appreciation for having been able to witness in this place of
many martyrs the rebirth of the Church.
Dr Fykse Tveit noted that the Porto Alegre document entitled Called to be the One
Church, reminds member churches that their common journey towards unity is a calling,
not a choice. It is a call from God to all of us, a call to be one in an active sense.
Called to be the One Church provides useful language of “mutual accountability” (Article
II, paragraph 7) as an ecumenical principle. The member churches share the essential and
fundamental meaningful gift: the Gospel as the message of the Incarnation, life, death and
Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This does not belong only to any one church, nor only to
Christians, but to the entire world. When the churches give account to one another, in love
and truth, they are called to listen and to speak. The Permanent Committee should be a
place where church representatives, called into a special relationship of mutual
accountability, are able to speak frankly and openly of their deep concerns, sharing their
hopes, joys and pains.
Agenda
Members of the committee shared developments from within their local contexts. The
scheduled work of the Permanent Committee included matters referred for advice from
the governance group and from the executive committee, membership matters and the
10th Assembly preparations, as well as issues arising from the Faith and Order
Commission.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 115
1. Governance
The Permanent Committee welcomed the invitation addressed to member churches and
ecumenical partners to participate in the common reflection process on governance. In
response to questions raised in the documents prepared by the working group on
governance, the committee offers the following affirmations: (i) the 21st century context
requires change in the governance structures of the WCC, though any major changes
require careful thought; (ii) close examination of the CUV can helpfully guide discussion;
and (iii) clearer distinctions among governance, management, leadership and living the
fellowship (as proposed by the governance group) point in some helpful new directions.
The Permanent Committee:
• welcomes the increased attention to “Living the Fellowship” at the central
committee meetings and the Assembly and recommends that this include deeper
theological discussion at the centre of the life of the Council;
• affirms the direction of work addressing issues of efficiency in governing bodies,
committees and commissions and recommends that the balance between
efficiency and the need for appropriate representation be addressed directly with
sensitivity and care; and
• notes that the same issues of efficient governance in tension with representation
may be under discussion by other international institutions; the governance group
should attempt to consult with such institutions regarding these particular issues.
2. Commission on Faith and Order
A progress report was presented on the work of the meeting of the Standing Commission
on Faith and Order which was hosted by the Armenian Apostolic Church in Armenia in
June 2010. It received the results from the Plenary Commission meeting (2009) and began
to assemble the responses to the document The Nature and Mission of the Church ,
including a total of eighty-five responses, with twenty-five from churches, and the others
from Theological faculties and seminaries, ecumenical partners and individuals.
The committee was informed that the Orthodox churches plan to convene a consultation
to consider the document and to offer their response.
Two additional studies in progress, on moral discernment in the churches and on sources
of authority in the Church (Tradition and traditions), have different status and time lines.
The committee noted with concern that it could become increasingly difficult to engage in
in-depth theological dialogue. At the last Plenary Commission meeting of 2009 in Crete,
Greece, a member of the Standing Commission feeling the need to express a serious
objection on theological and Scriptural grounds to a study document reported on the
meeting, was unable, for example, to reach the interest of the Commission.
The committee expressed its desire to be able to work more closely with the Faith and
Order Commission through the next meetings of the committee, and expected close
collaboration.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 116
The Permanent Committee expects that this cooperation would specifically address:
• the responses being received from the churches to the two documents currently
circulating The Nature and Mission of the Church and Called to be the One
Church, particularly with regard to ecclesiological concerns expressed by the
Special Commission;
• the study on Moral Discernment in the Churches and how the WCC accompanies
the member churches in this process and chronicles the work taking place on
these issues; and
• the “Common Prayer” at gatherings of the WCC, assessing the experience of the
Council in implementing the recommendations of the Special Commission.
3. Membership
The committee was invited by the executive committee to provide advice and proposals
on membership matters and report back, specifically reflecting upon several policy
considerations: (i) Is it possible for the WCC to accept into membership a church which is
not already a member of an REO?, (ii) How should the WCC re-articulate its membership
policy given the current ecclesial realities, e.g. the majority of applicant churches are
Pentecostal? (iii) Considering that there are large historical and well-established churches
that are not interested in WCC membership, should the WCC be more pro-active in trying
to increase their interest in the WCC?
Churches around the world show interest in becoming members of the WCC, with the
majority of membership applications coming from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The
ecclesial landscape in these, but also in other regions has radically changed over the last
years, with many new churches founded and also new churches resulting from splits in
addition to missionary activity. Many of them are Pentecostal. At the same time historical
and well-established churches are not members of the WCC. The trends raise question as
to whether a process of fragmentation of Christianity is on the rise and whether the WCC
would be contributing to this fragmentation by easing its membership policy.
Seven cases were presented to the committee for advice, including three requesting
exemption from the size requirement.
The committee assessed the basis and criteria for membership in the WCC in light of the
recommendations of the Special Commission, including the increase from minimum
numbers of members from 25,000 to 50,000. The committee also was reminded that the
definition of “church” as it relates to membership in the WCC includes groupings of
churches. Following review and discussion of the specific character of the seven
applicants, the committee reaffirmed the significance and relevance of the established
criteria for membership, including the requirement that the applicant church give an
account of the church’s ecclesiological self-understanding according to the theological
criteria of WCC membership, the significance of adhering to the criteria of size with few
exceptions based upon unique circumstances, and importance of demonstration of the
church’s ecumenical commitment on a local and regional level.
Affirming the principle that the doors to WCC membership are open and member
applications welcomed, the committee recommends that:
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 117
• the process of receiving new members move slowly and deliberately in
considering applications for membership;
• the process continue to follow the theological and organizational criteria included
in the rules; and
• the process include thorough consultation with the regions, neighbouring
churches and WCC member churches from the same confessional background.
The committee noted the trend of increasing applications for membership into the WCC
of Pentecostal, but also (neo) Evangelical and charismatic churches and recognized that
the reception of these constituencies into the WCC fellowship will present certain
challenges to the existing member churches on core issues of ecclesioiogy, faith, mission
and evangelism.
The committee therefore recommends that:
• the Council engage in discernment about general policies related to these
churches; and
• an ad hoc group, composed of members of the Permanent Committee and
informed by the current consultations in the Joint Consultative Group between
the WCC and Pentecostal Churches, be appointed to develop a policy for review
and evaluation of applications from these constituencies.
This group should take into account ways of evaluating the origins and the continuity of
leadership of the applicants. In addition, it should consider the implications for the
Orthodox member churches if the membership increases in ways that will marginalize
their presence and ability to contribute to the life and work of the WCC.
4. Assembly Matters
The Permanent Committee received with appreciation an update of the Assembly
planning process. Consistent with the report of the Assembly Discernment Committee
(ADC), the 10th Assembly in 2013 will be not only a WCC assembly, focused on
strengthening the fellowship of churches and conducting the business of the WCC, but
also will provide greater space for participation of the wider ecumenical movement.
The committee expressed its concern that the Assembly planning process should pay
specific attention to the issues raised and addressed by the Special Commission,
particularly in the light of the experience of the churches at previous assemblies of the
WCC.
The committee recommends that:
• the Assembly Worship Committee include an ordained Orthodox as advisor
familiar with the concerns of Faith and Order and the Special Commission with
regard to liturgical matters;
• the Assembly planning process include careful review of Assembly documents
before their publication (e.g. material prepared for prayer services, Bible studies,
etc.);
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page 118
• the Assembly Planning Committee follow the rich legacy of the WCC and
progress made through the decades of work together in the Commission on Faith
and Order, the Common Understanding and Vision of the WCC, and the Special
Commission, by providing resources to secure presentations consistent with the
ethos of trust and collaboration that has developed among the member churches,
avoiding any form of “syncretism”;
• possible Assembly themes be drawn directly from Holy Scripture, reflecting the
promises of God to his people, such as “O/z Lord, how manifold are your works ”
(Ps. 104:24). This allows the Assembly documents, Bible studies etc., to offer a
Scripturally based way forward in hope amid the difficulties confronting the
world, the churches, the global economy and local context. In addition,
development of the theme might take into account that the year 2013 marks the
1700th anniversary of the proclamation of the Edict of Milan marking the
tolerance towards Christianity and the beginning of its religious freedom; and
• the next executive committee set the dates for the 10 WCC Assembly as its first
priority, taking into consideration that other ecumenical organizations, including
the Conference of European Churches and All Africa Conference of Churches,
will be holding assemblies in 2013-14.
5. Consensus
A progress report on the implementation of consensus process and ethos in the WCC was
received by the committee with appreciation.
The committee affirms that the consensus method as a hallmark of the ethos of the
fellowship of churches is deepening. The Committee also observed increased skill in the
2009 central committee’s use of consensus procedures. The presence of the consensus
facilitators, distribution of a reference booklet to all participants, and orientation sessions
for moderators and rapporteurs, all have been particularly helpful.
Evaluations from the central committee showed that the process still needs to allow more
time for the deep discussion that enables consensus emerge and to be reached. Consensus
should be used in all meetings large and small, and continuing attention to training should
be provided, helping moderators and rapporteurs to internalize both the spiritual
dimension and the techniques of consensus building.
The Committee noted that consensus process requires adequate time and preparation for
the procedure and agenda of meetings. What we prayerfully leave behind is as important
as what we bring forward into the process of discernment. Preparing ourselves to listen
and learn from each other in the Spirit is as important as reaching a particular decision.
The committee therefore recommends :
• continuing careful consensus preparations for all ecumenical meetings and
gatherings;
• close collaboration among the Officers and facilitators in order to help
moderators and rapporteurs and the meeting to internalize both the spiritual
dimension and the techniques of consensus building;
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 Febmary 2011
page 119
• developing a process for renewed accession into consensus discernment at each
meeting; and
• the process of consensus for selecting future Assembly venues should begin by
determining a particular region that should host an assembly; consensus might
begin in the region itself among the member churches in order to reach a
common agreement on an Assembly venue.
Conclusion
The committee reaffirmed once more its commitment to the process of renewal and
changes for the Council, its collaboration and the spirit of collegiality that marks its work
and life together, as well as its readiness to continue to offer advice for matters on the
current agenda of the WCC, particularly related to Assembly preparations.
The committee will next meet from 6 to 9 September, 2011 (arrival on the 5 and
departure on the 10 ) at a location to be determined at a later stage.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
16-22 February 2011
page' 120
WCC GENEVA
1071756886
World Council
of Churches
Postal address: Visiting address:
P.O. Box 2100 150 route de Ferney
CH-1211 Geneva 2 Grand-Saconnex (Geneva)
Switzerland Switzerland
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11